Volcanic Wines from Hungary

We’ve just unpacked a fresh delivery of beautiful Hungarian wines including those from two winemakers that have only recently appeared on our radar. From volcanic lakeside vineyards to meticulous, low-intervention cellars, these four arrivals are raw, elegant, and expressive. Here's a quick overview of each...

Sziegl – Jonas 2024

The Style: Fresh, aromatic, and perfectly balanced white.

The Story: A new discovery for us! Petra and Balázs Sziegl tend to 9 hectares of organic vines in Hajós-Baja, right near the Danube. Petra runs the cellar whilst Balázs manages the soil. Jonas is a brilliant, minimal-sulphur white blend of 50% Welschriesling, 25% Riesling, and 25% Hárslevelű. Whole-bunch pressed and fermented with indigenous yeasts across old barrels, steel, and ceramic, it’s remarkably complex. Expect white peach, bright citrus, and subtle floral notes with an elegant, precise finish. Perfect for pairing with fresh fish or lighter white meats.

Peter Nagyvárad – Perm 2024

The Style: Mineral-driven, smoky Chardonnay.

The Story: Another new name for us! Péter Nagyvárad is a young natural winemaker working with just two hectares of land on the volcanic soils around Lake Balaton. He keeps intervention down to an absolute minimum in order to let the unique terroir do the talking. Perm is a 100% Chardonnay that spends 11 months on the lees in old barrels with zero fining, filtration, or added sulphur. The result is exceptionally clean, precise, and layered with orchard fruits, anchored by a deep, smoky, rocky character that only volcanic soil can bring.

Peter Nagyvárad – Karbon 2024

The Style: Light-to-medium, vibrant, mineral red.

The Story: Another absolute gem from Péter Nagyvárad’s tiny two-hectare plot by the Lake. Karbon is crafted from Kékfrankos (the Hungarian name for Blaufränkisch) grapes that undergo semi-carbonic maceration before aging in old barrels for 9 months. It beautifully balances two distinct sides: on one hand, you get lifted acidity and vibrant, juicy fresh fruit; on the other, a deeper, darker volcanic mineral complexity. It’s light on its feet but offers beautiful depth. 

Bencze Birtok – Furmint 2023

The Style: Elite, complex, and highly limited biodynamic white.

The Story: Regular readers will know of our love for István Bencze, a true pioneer of natural winemaking in Hungary. He farms meticulously on the Szent György hill in Badacsony and is an expert in biodynamic practices. The 2023 vintage of his Furmint cuvée that has just arrived. The grapes were hand-harvested in multiple stages to guarantee the perfect balance of ripeness and acidity, then slowly whole-bunch pressed and fermented in amphora vessels. It’s incredibly elegant, think zesty lemon and lime cutting through a distinct slate of volcanic minerality. It's drinking beautifully now but has the structure to age wonderfully. Only 1,200 bottles produced.

If you want to see why Hungary is becoming one of our favourite wine regions, grab a bottle today

Happy drinking!