15th Wine of Semmelweis University selection results announced

Semmelweis Medical University of Budapest announced the annual wine contest results earlier in November. Apart from publishing the selected wines in 6 categories, we remember a great doctor and a good friend, Dr Gábor Veres, founder of the wine selection.

Wine consumption decreases all around the world, and several health gurus name wine the devil, taking wine in the same category with other alcohol beverages. The fact that there are many doctors expressing their strong support for the wine scene can give hope to the winemakers.
A wine contest of the most important medical university, with the participation of doctors – besides wine experts – is a powerful message for the wine industry. The president of the wine contest was the rector of the university himself, Dr Béla Merkely.
Wine of Semmelweis University selection was founded in 2010, and since then the winner wines have been representing Semmelweis University for a whole year throughout the world.
This year 191 wines were judged from more than 50 wineries.

Characters of our cover photo:

– Ignaz Semmelweis, the savior of women

The Hungarian doctor introduced hand disinfection standards thus saving countless lives from child bed fever. The most important medical university of Hungary is named after the Semmelweis. He died young in asylum as a consequence of harsh treatment by the guards. Recently a Hungarian movie has been created about his life. (Sadly, the movie is far from being great.)

– Dr Gábor Veres, founder of Wine of Semmelweis University selection

Gábor was a true an ambassador of moderate wine consumption. He was not only a great doctor treating children, but he held several prestigious positions, founded an educational institute, participated in international researches, published several important articles and was an active member of the doctors’ society, among others organising cross cultural events within Semmelweis Residents Saloon. He died at the age of only 51, and we miss him.

– Vesztergombi Porkolábvölgy Kékfrankos 2019, Szekszárd

A single vineyard, varietal red wine made of Kékfrankos grape by Vesztergombi Cellar, a family-owned winery in Szekszárd wine region. The wine will represent Semmelweis University for a whole year in the category of red wine made of a grape variety of the Carpathian Basin. As Csaba Vesztergombi commented at the award ceremony, the Kékfrankos vineyard was planted by his grandfather, but several generations had been working on those fields before, as there are evidences from the 18th century.
More about Vesztergombi Cellar

Wines of Semmelweis University in 6 categories

– Sparkling wine
Gróf Degenfeld Tokaji Furmint Extra Brut 2022, Tokaj

– White wine made of a grape variety of the Carpathian Basin
Harmónia Tokaji Furmint 2023, Tokaj

– White wine made of an international grape variety
Kamocsay Prémium Chardonnay 2024, Neszmély

– Red wine made of a grape variety of the Carpathian Basin
Vesztergombi Porkolábvölgy Kékfrankos 2019, Szekszárd

– Red wine made of an international grape variety: 3 wines together
Lelovits Tamás Villányi Franc 2020, Villány
Vinatus Black Cuvée 2018, Villány
Koch Pinot Noir 2020, Hajós–Baja

– Sweet wine
Gróf Degenfeld Tokaji Aszú 6 Puttonyos, 2017

Original press release by Semmelweis press team