2019 Szent Donat - Kekfrankos Magma (750ml)

Szent Donát is a fifteen hectare estate on the hills along the northern shore of Lake Balaton in western Hungary, spanning some of the best sites in Csopak, Tihany, and the Kál basin. Winemaker and owner Tamás Kovács was born into a winemaking family with roots in the tiny village of Csopak stretching back more than five generations. The estate has farmed organically since 2011 and has practiced traditional, low intervention winemaking in the cellar since its founding.

Magma is made entirely from Kékfrankos, grown on the volcanic soils of the Tihany peninsula, whose microclimate and scattering of small crater lakes shape the grape's distinctive character here. The hand harvested fruit undergoes spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts in open vats, followed by several weeks of maceration with punch downs, then aging in used oak barrels before the wine is bottled unfiltered and unfined, preserving its natural texture and volcanic minerality.

The wine is deep garnet in color, with aromas of sour cherry, blueberry, and a touch of smoky black pepper, joined by notes of dried berries and anise. On the palate it is medium bodied with vivid acidity, soft, well integrated tannins, and a mineral finish that reflects its volcanic origins. It is a versatile food wine, equally satisfying served lightly chilled.