The “United Nations of Fine Wines”, the annual travelling wine contest took place in Istria, Croatia this time. More than 7500 white and red wines were evaluated by 350 judges from 45 different countries. Hungary received 3 gold and 4 silver medals. Being a regular jury of the contest, I can assure our readers that CMB is utterly rigorous and perfectly organized. The jury members are seasoned wine experts who dedicate all their attention to the wines being tasted.

Find CMB winner wines in Mexico, London and Tokyo

It is not easy to get a medal, and also silver medal is of great prestige. In our panel in the three days, we gave only one gold medal and we were not very generous with silver medals either. Seeing the smooth and professional process of the contest I always wonder why there are so few Hungarian entries. There are many arguments for this contest: the media attention, the great and experienced judges from every field (I met several wine buyers, sommeliers, merchants and wine writers). It is also highly transparent: judges receive the list of the tasted wines with their comments at the end of each judging day.
And, from this year there are two more strong arguments for CMB! After the opening of a large wine store and tasting facility in Mexico city with gold winner wines and a Wine Corner also in Mexico City, this year two more CMB tasting venue opened, one in London and one in Tokyo. At United Airlines VIP lounges in both city a “Wine Corner” will await guests with CMB award winning wines.

More about Wine Bar by CMB in Mexico City

Etyeki Kúria Pinot Noir 2019, Etyek–Buda

The cooler climate Etyek wine region near the capital of Hungary is ideal for the Burgundy varieties. Now wonder Etyeki Kúria has organized a Pinot Noir vertical tasting for many years, by now the estate has become a kind of “think tank” when it comes to Pinot Noir. The first Pinot plantings took place in 2001, and ever since then the estate has been passionate about the variety. The gold medal of vintage 2019 justifies again their dedication again.
The grapes for this wine were harvested by hand in several portions. After gentle destemming the grapes fermented for 14 days on the skin. Manual punching down, spontaneous malolactic fermentation. The wine aged in 300 and 225 L Hungarian, French and Austrian oak barrels for 15 months with 30% new oak.
“Medium ruby colour. Sour cherry, redcurrant, hibiscus, rosehip on the nose followed by cassis, fresh plum and nutmeg. The palate equally focuses on red fruits, sour cherry, redcurrant, rosehip, accompanied by cinnamon spiced fresh plum, cassis, some smokiness, cardamon and black pepper.”

Find Etyeki Kúria Pinot Noir 2019 on the estate’s webshop

Etyeki Kúria importers

Czech Republic (wwwine.cz), Germany (BorStore), Romania (BigWine, InDiVino), Slovakia (Beer & Wine Depot, Vinobro), Switzerland (Balatoni Ungarische Weine, Scherer & Bühler), UK (MALUX Hungarian Wine & Spirits), USA (Hungarian Wine & Spirit (SC), Citadella Imports (NJ))

You can also order Etyeki Kúria wines from Winelovers Webshop. They ship to every European country.

Heumann Lagona 2017, Villány

Out of the 7 Hungarian medals 2 of them went to Heumann Winery, a family winery in Siklós, part of Villány wine region. Heumann Merlot 2017 is one of the silver winners, Lagona is the other. Lagona is a blend, 2017 was made of Merlot 30%, Kékfrankos (Blaufränkisch) 20%, Cabernet Sauvignon 20%, Cabernet Franc 15%, Syrah 15%. Heumann Winery is extremely versatile: whatever variety they try their hands on, it becomes successful and receives hich scores from renowned wine critics like Stuart Pigott (JamesSuckling.com) or Adrian van Velsen (vvWines.ch). Their Rhine Riesling is one of the best Hungarian examples of the variety, and their Villányi Franc (100% Cabernet Franc) called La Trinità is a superstar in every vintage.
“Deep purple with violet reflexes; in the nose red berries with a hint of barrique; on the palate spicy and with peppery notes, sour cherries; great structure with well integrated tannins; long finish.”
Adrian van Velsen Swiss wine writer about the wine: “The nose is fruity, fresh, plums, cherries, currants, white pepperand some sage. Accessible on the palate and again fruity, red and dark berries go hand in hand, are buffered by well-packaged tannins and a crisp acidity. In the finish of medium length, ends pleasantly fresh on red fruity back aromas and a subtle bitter note.”
Photo of Heumann wines: Adrian van Velsen, vvWine.ch

More about Heumann Winery

You can also order Heumann wines from Winelovers Webshop. They ship to every European country.

See all Hungarian winners here