A sip of knowledge

This frost resistant grape – hence the name meaning “wintry” or “relating to winter” – was created in Germany, yet hardly any Hibernal wines are made there (only 3 hectares). The most significant amount is grown in the Czech Republic (421 hectares). In Hungary there are 14 hectares, but only 4.7 hectares are producing grape yet. Feind Winery on the north shore of Lake Balaton makes refreshing, citrusy, vibrant wines, ideal for the “Indian Summer”.

Cover photo background by Egor Kamelev

Interesting facts about Hibernal

– It is a hybrid, which means that the grape contains DNA not only from Vitis Vinifera, both from other species as well (Vitis Vinifera is the species where most well-known varieties belong from Chardonnay to Zinfandel.
– It was created in 1944 by Heinrich Birk at Geisenheim Grape Breeding Institute, Germany.
– Hibernal (or Hybernal) is a new cross, here are the parents: (Seibel 7053 = Chancellor x Riesling) x (Seibel 7053 x Riesling).
– It has good winter-frost resistance and reasonably good resistance to powdery and downy mildews. Sugar level and yield are generally higher than for Riesling but acidity is lower. Ripens in the first half of October.
– There is a small amount (1 hectare) in Canada.
– “Wines are fresh and fruity, in some years rather like Scheurebe, and the fruit purity and high levels of extract of the best, fully ripe examples reveal its Riesling parent. When unripe, it can have a slightly foxy note but this is not usually pronounced. Owing to its complex family history, it is not 100% Vitis Vinifera but it is registered as such in the German official list of varieties and is therefore authorized for making quality winebecause the wine generally tastes like a Vinifera product.”

Excerpt From: Robinson, Jancis; Harding, Julia; Vouillamoz, Jose. “Wine Grapes (9780062325518)”. Apple Books.

Feind Hibernál 2024

The Balaton winery uses the Hungarian spelling with an accent on the ‘a’. The wine has medium intense lemon colour. The nose reveals refreshing notes of citrus fruits, green spices, freshly cut grass and ripened pear. Vibrant, crispy mouthfeel due to the intense acidity. Uplifting and refreshing. Complex palate with round bodybalancing the acidity. There is a hint of phenolic character as well. Decent length. Also ideal as a “spritz” – with bubbly water.

More about Feind Winery

Feind wines are available in several countries, for example in the USA by Credo Imports. If you are interested in importing Feind wines, contact Andrea Sajó of Feind Winery.

 A recent success of Feind Winery

Feind ‘Magaspart’ 2024 – a gold winner of Berlin

Feind wine bar – the first stop to Lake Balaton

Find winery is located at the east corner of Budapest, in Balatonfőkajár, which means that this estate is the first one if you are driving from Budapest (92 km). At Feind wine store the whole range of Feind wines is available, while in the wine bar guests can taste the wines with cheese or ham platters. The wine bar can seat 40 people ideal for smaller events, gatherings. From spring to autumn, the terrace is also available. Guests are welcome to taste wines and enjoy the atmosphere without prior reservation.

More info here