Sparkling wine of „Little Princess”

December 28, 2017

Sparkling wine of „Little Princess”

Thummerer Királyleányka Méthode Traditionelle

Thanks God sparkling wine consumption is not restricted to New Year’s Eve any more – though it’s still the high season for bubbles. If you are a sparkling wine connosseur and you are looking for something new, try a méthode traditionelle sparkling wine from Hungary, made from indigenous varieties! Frittmann Gold is made of Ezerjó, Kreinbacher, Sauska and Garamvári wineries produce superb sparkling of Furmint, while Thummerer Winery from Eger has an amazing sparkling wine from Királyleányka. The grape Királyleányka literally means „little princess” (scroll down for more info about the grape variety).

Constantly outstanding

The Thummerers released their first bottle fermented sparkling wine last year, and just like in Egri Csillag, they use the indigenous Királyleányka grape along with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. „Subtle nose with autolysis notes and citrus aromas. Fresh, vivid, crispy acidity, ethereal wine with a lot of creamy bubbles. On the palate citrus flavours dominate with apple and mineral notes. Great balance, nice long length” – wrote the members of the panel of VinCE Magazine in their evaluation in the December issue, 2016.
This year the same magazine has published its panel tasting of sparkling wines in its latest issue – and Thummerer sparkling is again among the best ones with 16.80 scores. “Pure and elegant with charming citrus notes and flowers. Refreshing wine with vivid acidity and firm structure. Harmonious with fine bubbles and mineral flavours.”

What to pair with Thummerer sparkling

Királyleányka is slightly aromatic, delicate with grapey aromas. It has a significant, but pleasant acidity, thus we can pair it with dishes slightly richer in fat, but because of the subtle, elegant character, the dish should be of noble ingredients. A canapé with salmon butter can be an ideal partner, butter fish is also a good choice. Caviar, the food of the gods is also a good match with this amazing sparkling wine.

Transylvanian origin

Királyleányka is originally from Tranyslvania, the formerly Hungarian western part of Romania. Now it is often referred to as Hungarian indigenous grape variety. It is grown all over Hungary, typically in Mátra, Ászár–Neszmély, Etyek, Eger, Mór, Pannonhalma, South Balaton and Pécs wine regions. It’s often used in blends, for example in the popular white blend of Eger wine region, Egri Csillag. Királyleányka is said to be a natural hybrid of Leányka and Kövérszőlő – this latest is one of the typical grapes of Tokaj wine region. The grape was introduced in Hungary in the 1970s. It was said to be identical with Fetească Regală, however comparison of their DNA profiles shows that Királyleányka and Fetească Regală from Romania are distinct varieties (Wine Grapes).