2023 Benedek - Kekfrankos Matra (750ml)

Benedek Pince is a small, family-run winery in the village of Gyöngyöstarján, in Hungary's Mátra region, now led by third-generation winemaker Péter Benedek, who works alongside his brother and parents. The family has grown its holdings from just over one hectare to around seventeen over the years, farming a mix of local and international varieties in his grandfather's original cellar. The estate's approach favors gentle, precise winemaking that lets the region's cool climate and volcanic soils show through.

Kékfrankos, known elsewhere as Blaufränkisch, is Hungary's most widely planted red grape and finds a distinctive expression in Mátra's volcanic terrain. The Mátra region sits at the foot of its namesake mountains in northern Hungary, where a cool continental climate with warm summers and crisp autumns allows the grapes to ripen slowly while holding onto their natural acidity. Soils rich in andesite and tuff add mineral definition. For this bottling the grapes ferment briefly on their skins before resting in stainless steel tank and then bottle to preserve freshness.

The wine offers a lively mix of red and dark berry fruit, sour cherry, and forest fruit notes, with light touches of vanilla and spice. Fresh acidity and soft tannins make it easy to drink on its own or alongside food. It pairs particularly well with spicy soups, stews, or grilled meats.