Taschner Winery and Sparkling Wine Cellar
In the farthest west corner of Hungary, where the surface of Lake Fertő (Neusiedler in German) turns the most severe winters into mild ones, vineyards of great quality have given fruit since the Roman times. This is the region of Sopron, where Kurt Taschner, one of the most wellknown winemakers of the region makes his wines and méthode traditionnelle sparkling wines.
The family has half German and half Hungarian roots, and the tradition of winemaking has passed from fathers to sons, going back to as early as 1806. The recent, modern winery was founded in 1997 by Kurt and his father, they worked together until the father’s death. The next generation is also watching, no question: there will be someone to pass the estate over in the future.
The winery is equipped with all the up-to-date machinery, they produce 200.000 bottles a year, what is more, Taschner is among the few Hungarian wineries with the capacity to bottle in small (0.185 L) bottles, for example for Wizzair, the Hungarian airline.
Passion for the vineyards
The family vineyard is of 31 hectares, where mostly indigenous grapes are grown, but besides Kékfrankos, Zweigelt and Zöldveltelini (Grüner Veltliner) international grapes are grown as well, like Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The slightly cool climate and the soil of limestone is perfectly suitable for making sparkling wines. Taschner Brut is made only in exceptional vintage with base wine made of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier – probably Taschner is the only producer in Hungary growing the third variety of Champagne. Kurt also likes working with relatively unknown varieties, like Korai Piros Veltelini. Korai Piros Veltelini (Frühroter Veltliner) is a grape variety you can find in Kurt Taschner’sportfolio, but nowhere else in Hungary. Frühroter Veltliner is a natural cross between Roter Veltliner and Silvaner.
The vineyards are: Gauer, Warme Infried, Spern Steiner, Ranisch, Gute Weidengrund, Langschilling. Kurt István Taschner is not only keen about the fruit of the vineyards, but he also loves taking photos of these magnificent places.
“Wine course” in Sopron any time with Kurt
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). Taschner winery used to be located in the outskirts of the city of Sopron, but in the past years the city has grown through the winery, now it is surrounded by lucky habitants – they are lucky, because the winery is a little green oasis, since Kurt is keen on keeping green places, the garden is full of colourful oleanders, and there is even a so called “bee pasture”.
Taschner winery can seat as many as 64 people, parking is easy and free, warm plates can be arranged with prior arrangements. The winery has a white range of wines from the traditional method sparkling wines to the late harvest dessert wines and complex red blends, and ‘pálinka’, the Hungarian fruit distill is also available (made of the marc of the Irsai Olivér grape).
– Poncichter tasting: 6 wine samples, mineral water, bread with olive oil. Price: 3900 HUF / person (around 10 euro)
– Buschenschank tasting: 6 + 2 wine samples (2 from the more exclusive and expensive wines), mineral water, bread with olive oil, cheese. Price: 5900 HUF / person (around 15 euro)
Do you want to know what Poncichter means? Read it here!
Book your visit here
Contact:
Kurt István Taschner
Address: 9400 Sopron, 168 Balfi road 168, Hungary
Telephone: +36 20 931 5225
E-mail: kurt@taschner.hu
Website (in Hungarian): taschner.hu
Wines
Taschner Fidelissima Cuvée 2024
For those who find Irsai Olivér too fragrant, we have made this wine, a blend of Chardonnay, Grüner Veltliner and Irsai Olivér. The nose is more restrained, but on the palate you get a fuller, more serious, more complex wine. The name refers to the place of production, as it is the city of Sopron in western Hungary, where the vineyard and winery are located, which was awarded the title of City of Loyalty almost 100 years ago.
Soproni Irsai Olivér 2024
White petal flowers, grapey aromas and pear characterize the nose. On the palate herbal and floral notes dominate refreshed by citrus tones and supplemented by yellow flesh fruit flavours in the finish. Fresh, crispy, lovely wine with low alcohol, refreshing, spicy palate. The charming, fruity aromas of this wine recall memories of the summer breeze immediately.
Soproni Kékfrankos Rozé 2019
Pale salmon coloured rosé wine with red berry fruits and rose hip in its restrained nose. The palate is reminiscent of summer redcurrant and sun ripened raspberry with a hint of rhubarb tartness. Featherlight, playful wine with well integrated acidity.
Soproni Kékfrankos Classic 2017
Fresh and lively wine, which represents the colour blue on the nose as well (‘Kék’ in Kékfrankos means blue): plum, blueberry and blue flowers with charming, playful spicy notes. Spices dominate the zesty palate supplemented by ripened fruits like cherry and plum.
Chardonnay Brut 2018
Straw yellow colour with medium intensity. Subtle perlage. Lovely nose with excellent structure: ripened fruits, a touch of stone fruits, restrained yeasty character. Delicate mousse on the palate with balanced acidity.
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