Wines of the Week? Wines for a year…

Vesztergombi Cellar is a kind of mystery for me, but a most positive mystery. Improving is great, but how can a winery get still better, when they were good at the start? (With Ferenc Vesztergombi being the Winemaker of the Year in 1993). And how can they still go on collecting titles like “the best”, “the most”, “gold winner”, etc? Somehow this winery from Szekszárd has been able to raise the bet constantly, for more than three decades. Let us mention just 5 of the latest great news about the winery.

Kerékhegy Cabernet Franc: The Best Red Wine in Hungary

Winelovers 100 annual print publication lists the 100 best Hungarian wines based on a wine contest, in 2021 with 603 wines. Vesztergombi Kerékhegy Cabernet Franc 2017 was selected the best of the red wines (and also the 3rd best wine altogether, preceded by only two Tokaji Aszú wines).

“Pronounced spiciness, dried tomato, ripened red berry fruits, mainly strawberry – a unique aroma profile. Complex, spicy wine with masculine tannins. Decent, long finish with dark chocolate. Serious body, yet balanced and easy to drink.”

Kétvölgy Kékfrankos with 91 points by Decanter

A review from Decanter magazine is one of the most recent accolades for a single vineyard Kékfrankos (Blaufrankisch) wine: Kétvölgy Kékfrankos 2018

“Kékfrankos from the valleys of Hungary’s warmest region. It expresses spiced strawberry, red plum and dried cherry hints on the nose and palate. Quite Pinot-like, with lovely intensity of sweet strawberry and typical spicy notes. Refined tannins and a fresh backbone” (Decanter, Caroline Gilby MW)

Kerékhegy Shiraz – one of the Super 12

The Circle of Wine Writers have selected the so called Super 12 white and red wines for the 6th time. Vesztergombi is a “usual” player on the list of the supers, this year their Kerékhegy Shiraz 2017 was selected among the best ones. This wine also won gold medal at the latest Mundus Vini wine contest in Germany.

2017 Vesztergombi Kerékhegy Shiraz is a single vineyard wine from grapes from Kerékhegy (‘Wheel Mountain’) vineyard of 280–290 metres above sea level. The soil is mainly loess, rich in red clay and contains smaller bits of limestone. Vines were planted in 2007, 4500 vines / hectare, the training system is medium high cordon. Harvest took place at the end of September, the wine aged in 300 L and 500 L oak barrels for 24 months and 6 months in bottle.

4 gold medals at Berliner Wine Trophy 2021

Csaba Vesztergombi commented: “Every winemaker deserves a vintage like this, a once in a lifetime vintage.” His statement has been thoroughly proved at the latest edition of Berliner Wine Trophy: Vesztergombi Cellar won 4 gold medals for their 2017 wines! This unparalleled result must mean something! We strongly suggest to stock these wines quickly: Vesztergombi Kerékhegy Shiraz, St László Bikavér, Csaba and Bodzás Cabernet Sauvignon. 

Vesztergombi Cabernet Franc 2018: “This wine is a steal for 2000 HUF!”

Creating outstanding single vineyard, selection wines in one thing. But to make thousands of reliable, good wines at good price, that is another important aspect. Gusto.hu chose the entry level Cab Franc of the winery the Wine of the Week last week emphasizing the great price-value ratio of the wine. József Kling renowned wine writer commented that the wine in the bottle gave much more than expected in this price category (1999 HUF = 5.6 euros in Aldi supermarkets). “Fine light red colour with some brick hue – this is the only thing that refers to the age of the wine. Elegance and lightness on the nose with an untangleable mix of fruits and spices. The varietal character “cries out” of the glass: black pepper, purple flowers, blackcurrant, cranberries and blueberries, dark chocolate coated lyophilized raspberry, fine cocoa powder. The barrel notes have integrated in such an intelligent manner during the 18 months of ageing, that now they are impossible to spot.”

More about Vesztergombi Cellar

Vesztergombi wines are available in the UK (Best of Hungary) and many other countries.

If you cannot find an importer near your home, you can order Vesztergombi wines from Winelovers Webshop. They ship to every European country!