Riesling
Aries Dancing on the Flor 2021
Bencze Birtok

Grape Variety: Riesling

Producer: Bencze Birtok

Region: Badacsony, Hungary

Wild Scale: 3/5

Vegan friendly wine

12.5% alcohol

Winemaking: Biodynamic Riesling grapes were harvested by hand and underwent a slow press in whole bunches before fermentation in amphora vessels where the wine was also aged for 4.5 years. A layer of flor developed in this time which brings further complexity to the wine and protects it from full oxidation. No fining, filtration or added sulphur. 

This Wine: Natural white wine with a medium body. This is Bencze's top Riesling cuvée that we have been a fan of for many years but this vintage is even more exceptional. A layer of flor developed whilst the wine was ageing in the amphora vessels. This brings further depth and complexity to what is already an intricate wine. The ever present stone fruit, citrus and minerals are complimented by rounder creamy and buttery elements. Still bursting with acidity, the balance here is phenomenal. A very special vintage. The name comes from the fact that the grapes are picked when the moon is in Aries. Only 1200 bottles produced. 

Notes on the Winemaker: István Bencze is a pioneer of natural winemaking in Hungary. His vineyards are situated on the Szent György hill, in Badacsony near Lake Balaton. He works meticulously in the vineyard, harvesting at multiple times in order the achieve the right balance in the final wine.