Kadarka 2025

Kadarka is Szekszárd's historic grape – and the passion project of Zoltán Heimann Jr, known locally as the “Kadarka Man”. After stints in South Tyrol, Tuscany, the Mosel and Australia, and studies in Geisenheim, Montpellier and Udine, he focuses entirely on the local varieties Kadarka and Kékfrankos.

The variety is temperamental: prone to botrytis in wet weather and early berry shrivel in the heat, so picking time decides the style. Heimann always harvests its Kadarka by hand, with careful selection. Since 2005 the family has been selecting new, higher-quality Kadarka clones; the seven best have been propagated further. They ripen more evenly and give richer flavour while keeping Kadarka's lightness.

In the cellar, Zoltán Jr works with spontaneous fermentation, a share of whole bunches, no fining and very little sulphur. The aim: a chilled sip of Kadarka should taste the way the juicy berries burst in your mouth – lively acidity, vibrant fresh fruit.

• Origin: Szekszárd, Hungary
• Variety: Kadarka
• Hand-harvested
• Spontaneous fermentation, unfined
• Serve chilled
• Allergens: Contains sulphites