Sopron white and red blend

Sopron is the capital city of our westernmost wine region, near the Austrian Burgenland. And Sopron has a peculiar importance for Hungary: it is often cited as the City of Loyalty or the Faithful City. Fidelissima means “most faithful” in Latin, and Kurt István Taschner is undoubtedly a faithful and active citizen of the city, this is why he makes a white and red blend with the name Fidelissima.

The Faithful City

After the I World War the Treaty of Trianon attached Sopron and its surrounding villages to Austria, however a revolt broke out. Negotiations started with the help of Venice, and as a result a referendum was announced. On 14–16 December 1921 people over the age of 20 voted. The participation vas very high (89.5%), and the majority voted for staying Hungarian citizens – especially in the city of Sopron, where 72.8% voted for staying. It was the only case when the Treaty of Trianon was modified!
The Fire Tower in our cover photo is the symbol of Sopron, it is highly advised to visit with a museum inside and great view of the city. We once had the chance to taste Tascher’s méthod traditionnelle sparkling wine up there, with Kurt István Taschner himself.

More information about the Fire Tower

Taschner Frühroter Veltliner – a great summer wine

Kurt István Taschner is our Winemaker of the Week (see our Facebook cover). He makes a wine nobody else does called Frühroter Veltliner (‘Early Red Veltliner’), which received outstanding review in the latest issue of Hungarian wine magazine called Vince.

Taschner Blanc de Blancs Chardonnay Brut 2018

Kurt István Taschner was among the first wineries to boost their portfolio with méthode traditionellesparkling wines. For several years due to tax regulations it was very expensive to make sparkling wines, but the legislation changed a few years ago, and now a great many estates can offer one or two sparkling wines. Taschner Blanc de Blancs Chardonnay Brut is constantly among the top ones of Hungary.

Sopron – unique climate

Sopron wine region lies on the west part of the country along the border with Austria – thus Sopron shares the passion for Kékfrankos / Blaufrankisch with the Austrian neighbour, Burgenland. Zöld Veltelini / Grüner Veltliner is another grape cultivated on both sides. The black international varieties are popular among Sopron winemakers, while Chardonnay is not as common, however Kurt István Taschner soon realized the potential of Chardonnay in Sopron. The climate is cooler than the most of Hungary, partially due to the proximity of the Alps, and Lake Fertő (Neusiedler See) also has a temperating role. Taschner Winery has won several international acknowledgement for its Chardonnay Brut in the past years, and Kurt was to the first also to release the bottle fermented sparkling wine without disgorging. This version is not available now, probably the market was not ready for that.

“Exciting and ideal for contemplation”

Edit Szabó renowned wine writer, owner of Borsmenta online wine magazine has recently evaluated Taschner Chardonnay Brut 2018. “Golden colour, long lasting bubbles. The bubbles are tiny and they are running upwards evenly. Charming nose with honey, fine brioche and bread notes. On the palate the yeasty-brioche notes are balanced with sweet spices (aniseed, ginger), while the citrusy, tangerine flavours appear at the end. The finish also features some refined yeasty aromas. A dignified, matured, rich sparkling wine with beautiful layers and creamy, subtle bubbles. It is not necessary to accompany with a meal, we can open instead of dessert. Whatever is the occasion, this sparkling wine will enhance the moment.” 86 points / 100 points
It costs 5900 HUF (about 15 euro), you can order it from the winery.

More about Taschner Winery and Sparkling Wine Cellar

Wine tasting at Taschner Winery

Sopron is only one hour by train from Vienna, and 2.5 hours from Budapest. At the winery Kurt István Tascner offers two types of tasting package (the names are Swabian words connected to wine cellars).
– Poncichter tasting: 6 wine samples, mineral water, bread with olive oil. Price: 3900 HUF / person (10 euro)
– Buschenschank tasting: 6 + 2 wine samples (2 from the more exlusive and expensive wines), mineral water, bread with olive oil, cheese. Price: 5900 HUF / person (15 euro)

Book your visit here