10 great wines to remember, #2

Towards the end of the year, we look back to some of the great wine moments we have enjoyed. All the 10 wines we will list until New Year’s Eve are special for some reason and they are all worth buying, multiple bottles, if you can afford. (The order is NOT a ranking.)
Cover picture background was painted by Emma Katalin Dobos
By Ágnes Németh

Complex and exciting, subtle and abundant in tropical fruits, lemon and orange zest, mineral and saline, refreshing and buttery, balanced and long lasting – it is all so true! The wine was released in April, I could taste it in November, and I was fascinated by the lovely creaminess, the richness of flavours. It is a wine I would put up with on a desert island, for the rest of my life. And the retail price is only around 10 EUR!

How was it made?

– The 2023 vintage of the wine is made of 50% Chardonnay and 50% Pinot Blanc.
– The grapes were harvested by hand in small casks.
– Only free run juice was used for the wine.
– The Chardonnay was fermented in barrel at 16-20˚C and then it was kept on the lees for 5 months without added yeast, with stirring of the lees every week.
– As for the maturation of the Chardonnay, some part aged in 500L oak, while the rest aged in amphora.
– The Pinot Blanc fermented and aged in stainless steel tank.
– After the ageing period, all the wines were blended in a stainless-steel tank and the blend was bottled after a minimal fining.
– Alcohol: 12.5%, recommended consumption at 12–14˚C.

A line of wines for adventurous spirits

– Vylyan launched a new line of wines in May 2021 called Vylyan Variations.
– Members of this family reflect the creativity of the winemaker, the passion of experimenting, the energy of the team.
– The first member was a barrel aged rosé followed by an amphora aged Syrah.
– Csóka is rare grape variety, rescued from extinction by Vylyan. Csóka Variation 2019 is available currently, the perfect choice for those who look for indigenous rarities.
– One of the most exciting Variation wines is a duo pack of two bottles of Cabernet Franc for wine lovers of experimental spirit. The grape for both bottles came from the same vintage, the same vineyard, the same variety (Cabernet Franc), harvested at the same time, the only difference is the ageing vessel, the way the “wine was breathing“. The amphora aged wine mirrors Villány terroir without any mask, while the barrel aged wine is enhanced with the notes of the new wood. To compare the two bottles, the spot the tiny nuances, to realize and identify the differences is the ultimate experience for the advanced wine connoisseurs.

More about Vylyan

Vylyan wines are available in several countries, for example in some states of the United States by Credo Imports. If you are interested in importing Vylyan wines, contact the team.

Candle lights in the cellar

Vylyan Vineyards and Winery awaits couples to celebrate love with a special dinner held within the underground cellar. Dim lights, enchanting wines, invigorating dishes – and to put the crown on guests will taste the last bits of Syrah Variations, the first amphora aged wine of the estate. Only 300 bottles were made, therefore the lucky lovers can enjoy the last drops indeed.

Venue: Vylyan Vineyards and Winery, Kisharsány, Fekete-hegy 092.hrsz., Hungary (2.5 hours by car from Budapest)
Date and time: 14 February 2023, 19.00
Price: 14 900 HUF / person (38–39 euros) with guided wine tasting, 10 900 HUF / person (28–29 euros) without wines
Booking: vendeglatas@vylyan.hu, +36304876206
Please, book before 8 February.

The menu

• Welcome Pét-Nat 2021
• Aphrodisiac vegetable soup
  • Herka Chardonnay 2022
• Lemon and salmon tagliatelle
  • Rozé Variáció 2021
• Tasting of two barrel samples
• Strawberry and chocolate lava cake
  • Syrah Variáció 2020

For vegetarian, vegan, gluten free or lactose free menu contact the winery.

More about Vylyan Vineyards and Winery

3 crazy facts about Wine & Love

Wine Duo with the promise of ‘eureka’

Warning: this duo pack has just been released and will be sold out very quickly. The last time Vylyan Vineyard and Winery released a “Vylyan Variations” wine, it was sold out quicker than a wink, I didn’t have time to post a piece…

The joy of recognition

Vylyan launched a new wine family in May 2021 called Vylyan Variations. Members of this family reflect the creativity of the winemaker, the passion of experimenting, the energy of the team. The first member was a barrel aged rosé followed by an amphora aged Syrah and now a duo pack of two bottles await winelovers of experimental spirit.

The grape for both bottles came from the same vintage, the same vineyard, the same variety (Cabernet Franc), harvested at the same time, the only difference is the ageing vessel, the way the “wine was breathing“. The amphora aged wine mirrors Villány terroir without any mask, while the barrel aged wine is enhanced with the notes of the new wood. To compare the two bottles, the spot the tiny nuances, to realize and identify the differences is the ultimate experience for the advanced wine connoisseurs.

Different worlds

2020 vintage started with early spring, followed by a hot summer with little rainfall. At harvest time there were long sunny periods with cool nights, thus this vintage gave wines with high acidity.

The amphora aged Cabernet Franc showcases fresh and dried sour cherry, dogberry and dark chocolate. Soft, clayish texture, ripened, integrated tannins. Ultimate balance. It is advised to air the wine for 1-2 hours before tasting.

The nose of the barrel aged wine begins with cedar with a little vanilla, coconut and rum. The palate is pleasantly grippy with flavours of sloe, sour cherry and dark chocolate. Its warmish spicy taste is reminiscent of clove.

“We love both wines, though they each represents a different world. We believe the best experience is to taste them together, this is why we sell them in a duo pack. If you can afford, lay a pack in your cellar. We are also very curious about the lifespan of the wines!”

More about Vylyan Vineyard and Winery

If you are interested in the wine, write to here