Hungarian volcanic wines, ’pink revolution’ and much more at London Wine Fair
Date: 22–24 May
Location: Kensington Olympia, F20 stand
Type of event: workshops and masterclasses by Master of Wine speakers and other experts within London Wine Fair
Hungarian volcanic wines, Tokaj’s new generation, Hungarian pink revolution, indigenous varieties like Furmint and Kékfrankos – some of the topics to be discussed and of course illustrated by top examples at London Wine Fair next week.
A wine fair with renaissance?
London Wine Fair had been ‘The’ international wine event for a long time maybe due to its great location, with London being probably the most important target for most o the wine countries. Then a decline was experienced both on parts of visitors and exhibitors. Numbers significantly dropped, ProWein took the lead. The 34th edition London Wine Fair had to make a step, and they did, at least they look so. The website of the event is completely renewed, it has a fresh design. The event focuses on its strength: on wineries, who are looking for British importers. Esoterica is a showcase of 70 niche microimporters, while Wine Unearthed is an area dedicated to over 100 wine producers looking for UK representation. Participating wineries have no UK importer and should be export ready.
F20 – the stand you should look for
Hungary will exhibit at stand F20 with a community booth and will deliver masterclasses of great topics. The very first masterclass on Monday the 22nd at 11.00 has the title of Pink revolution, by Elizabeth Gabay MW, who has a deep knowledge of both rosé wines around the world and Hungarian wine scene of the 21st century. “Whether in the trendy wine bars of Budapest, by the shores of Lake Balaton, rosé wines and aromatic whites are part of Hungarian summers. Indigenous varieties, historic traditions, diverse soils and summer sunshine contribute to a wealth of fascinating flavours. Find out more about their distinctive and charming styles for something new on the scene. Presented by Elizabeth Gabay MW, author of Rosé: understanding the pink wine revolution (2017).”
Another exciting topic is the theme of volcanic wines, which will be covered by the Canadian wine writer of Hungarian origin, John Szabó MS: “Hungary’s most celebrated white wine regions are rooted in volcanic soils. Tokaj alone is home to hundreds of extinct volcanos, which emitted a spectacular range of minerals over eons that nourish today’s vines. Join us for a masterclass led by John Szabo MS, author of Volcanic Wines: Salt, Grit and Power, winner of the 2016 André Simon Awards Drink category and “one of the world’s foremost authorities on the subject”, according to Drinks Business Magazine.” (Monday 14.00 and Tuesday 11.00)
You will also meet Carolyne Gilby MW at the Hungarian stand focusing on two great Hungarian terroirs (Monday, 12.30 white session, Tuesday 12.30 red session), while the American MW and MS, Ronn Wiegand, who happens to live in Tokaj will present new generation Tokaj wines with his wife, Hajnalka Prácser, (Tuesday 14.00) and will also show some Tokaji Aszú masterpieces (Tuesday 15.30). Elizabeth Gabay MW will conduct another masterclass on indigenous aromatic whites as well (Wednesday 11.00).
More information on programs
Register here
Web: https://www.londonwinefair.com
Wines of Hungary – another Hungarian stand
At Y126 & Y127 you will find Wines of Hungary. Based in London they work with a team of Master of Wines to ensure all their wines offer a commercially good proposition and will appeal to the UK palate. “We have met with all of our preferred winemakers in Hungary, toured their estates and held many private tastings with the owners and head winemakers. This ensures we build trust and deepen relationships. Our success depends on us managing those relationships.”
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