Autochthon Red 2022

Wine description for Autochthon Red 2022 by Bencze Birtók

Colour & appearance

Pomegranate with a cool, slightly violet rim – bright and decidedly youthful, with a certain translucent delicacy that hints at the moderate alcohol level of 11.0% vol.

Nose

A vibrant bouquet of raspberry and sour cherry, accompanied by ethereal herbs and a floral note reminiscent of alpine meadows. The aromatic profile feels cool, precise and lifted by an invigorating freshness that immediately evokes the volcanic slopes of Szent György-hegy.

Palate

On the palate, the wine dances with vibrant acidity and fine, almost delicate tannins. The red fruit remains present yet is supported by a mineral structure that lends the wine length. Dry, slender, with a certain rustic authenticity that nevertheless retains its elegance.

Finish

The finish is medium-length and refreshing, with a lingering echo of red berries and a subtly earthy note that recalls the basalt soils. A wine that is never intrusive, yet lingers memorably.

Terroir & origin

The vines are rooted on the south-facing slope of Szent György-hegy, a volcanic hill on the northern shore of Lake Balaton. Growing on basalt, clay and iron-rich brown earth, the vines sit at altitudes between 118 and 180 metres. The Pannonian climate brings warm days and cool nights, preserving the grapes’ natural freshness.

Grape varieties & vinification

A blend of Kékfrankos (Blaufränkisch), Kékbakator and Hajnos kék – two nearly forgotten Hungarian varieties that contribute finesse and aromatic complexity. István Bencze vinifies with minimal intervention, spontaneous fermentation and maturation in amphorae or used wooden casks, without filtration or fining.

Food recommendations

Perfect with grilled vegetables, Hungarian goulash or roast chicken. Also an exciting choice alongside spiced charcuterie or mushroom dishes. Its lively acidity makes it an ideal partner for recipes featuring tomatoes or peppers.

Special characteristics

What sets this wine apart is the marriage of autochthonous grape varieties with István Bencze’s uncompromising natural wine philosophy. Biodynamic viticulture and maturation in amphorae lend the wine an unadulterated expressiveness that mirrors the volcanic terroir in all its complexity. A wine that demonstrates how Hungary’s natural wine scene has long since reached international standards.