Pinot Noir Barrel Selection

The Etyeki Kúria Pinot Noir is the wine that changed the reputation of the region. On the Nagy-Látó-hegy in Alcsútdoboz, the winery planted its first vines in 2001 — many were sceptical at the time. Since then, the wine has spoken for itself.

The Barrel Selection is the tightest edit: during the 14-day fermentation, each harvest day's fruit is vinified separately, and the most promising lots are aged for 15 months in 100% new, 300-litre French and Austrian oak barrels. After a second round of tasting, only the finest barrels are blended into the final wine — a process that yields 3997 bottles.

Medium ruby colour. A layered nose: cinnamon, black pepper, nutmeg, anise and fennel open, followed almost immediately by dark berry fruit — blackberry, currant, cherry, blueberry in the background. On the palate, forest fruits, a touch of mint, rose pepper and rosehip. Full yet velvety, with an uncommonly long finish for a Pinot Noir.

Pairs well with lamb, mushroom and truffle dishes, and aged semi-hard cheese. Vegan pairing: grilled wild mushrooms with walnut oil and thyme.

Details:

• Origin: Nagy-Látó-hegy, Alcsútdoboz, Etyek-Buda, Hungary
• Variety: Pinot Noir (planted 2001, 2006, 2007)
• Soil: loess with limestone subsoil, occasional deep brown forest soil
• Yield: 20 hl/ha
• Alcohol: 13.5%
• Residual sugar: 1.3 g/l
• Acidity: 5.2 g/l
• Ageing: 15 months in 100% new French and Austrian oak barrels
• Bottles produced: 3997