Kéknyelü

The Kéknyelű, translated as “blue stem”, is one of the most fascinating botanical rarities of Central Europe. As a purely female vine variety, it depends on pollination by neighbouring varieties in the vineyard, which makes its cultivation particularly demanding. Its true home is the volcanic basalt soils around the Hungarian Lake Balaton. Here it produces wines of austere structure, fine phenolics and a deep, almost saline minerality. In its youth often wiry and reserved, it develops over time a smoky coolness and herbaceous spice that pairs beautifully with white meat or grilled fish.

How harmoniously this variety fits into a classic ensemble is demonstrated by Bencze Birtók. In the cuvée “Autochthon”, the taut structure of the Kéknyelű combines congenially with the juiciness of Furmint and Hárslevelű to create an unfiltered, vibrant wine full of energy.