Wine of the Hungarian Parliament 2019 Wine of the Hungarian Parliament 2019 Dear Reader,

Three years ago, with the intention of creating a tradition, we announced the wine tasting event we named The Wine of the Hungarian Parliament.

We did this in order to encourage guests who attend official National Assembly events at the House of Parliament - this historical site of Hungarian legislation - to learn more about the finest vintages of historical regions and winemakers, and thus take our good reputation home with them all over the world.

Even though the saying goes, “good wine needs no bush”, we know that in times of ever new and developing technical innovation becoming part of our everyday lives, quality assurance is gaining an even more important role. Only products that comply with the increasing rigour of quality requirements can be successful in the long run.

In addition to the Hungarian legislation providing a legal environment to promote quality winemaking, it is the goal of our wine tasting event to stimulate high-standards in the Hungarian wine trade, to consolidate the good reputation of and provide further opportunities for those who love wine. The previous three years have proved that this initiative can withstand the test of time: this year, we have received a record 113 applications from wineries from all over the Carpathian Basin.

Noblesse oblige. May our winners serve as representatives and advertisers of centuries-old Hungarian viticulture, its quality and spirit, in and beyond.

László Kövér Wine of the Hungarian Parliament 2019

This year the Speaker of the National Assembly announced the third in the series of competitions entitled the Wine of the Hungarian Parliament. Its primary goal is to select domestically bottled wines, which suitably represent the Hungarian National Assembly at parliamentary receptions. The wines of the Hungarian Parliament are selected from Hungarian autochthonous varieties (, hárslevelű, ezerjó, juhfark), as well as from varieties and blends that are of outstanding quality and reputation ( aszú, bikavér, olaszrizling, kadarka, kékfrankos, /villányi franc). In 2019, 19 of 22 wine regions applied, while 113 wineries with 203 entries took part in the competition for the honorary title of Wine of the Hungarian Parliament 2019. The Carpathian Basin is considered to be a unified wine- growing region, therefore wineries from beyond the present borders, although of Hungarian nationality, were also selected, and performed successfully; they came from Transylvania (Romania) and Upper Hungary (Slovakia). The most applications were submitted in the category of Hungary’s world-famous and world-renowned wine brand, tokaji aszú (noble rot wine). The production method of aszú wine is unique, since each aszú grape is harvested by hand. Aszú holds a special place in the world of wine: its extraor- dinary fragrance and flavour complexity ranges from fresh citrus fruits to tropical and candied fruits to spices, chocolate and coffee. Wine of the Hungarian Parliament 2019

The also well-known bikavér wines showed off the natural endowments of two excellent wine regions, Szekszárd and . Bikavér is only produced in these two regions with the blend of a minimum of four different red grape varieties, placing emphasis on kékfrankos and kadarka. Red wines in the competition included many high-quality kékfrankos and kadarka, which demonstrated a fruity, fresh, modern style and proved a pleasant companion to a variety of dishes. Although none of these varieties are autochthonous to the Carpathian Basin it is nevertheless here that they show their real characters. The cabernet franc of Villány, regulated with an appellation unique to the wine region, is an international curiosity exclusively made from the Loire variety of cabernet franc, however, it presents a more full-bodied, spicier, multi-layered style. Outstanding among white wines were those made from furmint, hárslevelű and olaszrizling. The first two are the main varieties of the , but they are also prevalent in other volcanic regions (Badacsony, Somló) and represent excellent quality. These wines are full-bodied, and boast a round acid structure, providing a truly unique experience. The slightly neutral, but terroir-specific olaszrizling is the most widespread quality white grape variety in Hungary. Produced in almost all wine regions it shows its best side in the Balaton Uplands. The competition of Hungarian autochthonous varieties also included exciting wines. Those made from ezerjó, with their discreet flavours and almost sharp acids, confirmed the unique character of this variety. The juhfark variety and the Somló wine region have become inseparable. The nicest entries of this highly, but pleasantly acidic variety came from this volcanic mountain. Wine of the Hungarian Parliament 2019 – Category winners

CATEGORY RANKING WINERY olaszrizling 1 Szöllősi Winery 2 Koczor Winery 3 Figula Winery furmint 1 Grand Tokaj 2 MAD WINE Winery 3 Royal Tokaji Winery other wines 1 Istvándy Winery 2 Szabó and Son Wine Cellar 3 Laposa Estate kékfrankos 1 Etyeki Kúria Winery 2 Takler Wine Estate 3 Balla Géza Winery bikavér 1 Sebestyén Winery 2 Bodri Winery 3 Fritz Winery kadarka 1 Németh János Winery 2 Eszterbauer Winery 3 Vesztergombi Winery cabernet franc 1 Heumann Winery 2 Ruppert Winery 3 Riczu Tamás Winery tokaji aszú 1 Grand Tokaj (noble rot wine) 2 Kvaszinger Winery 3 Royal Tokaji Winery WINES Olaszrizling 2017 Pécselyi Olaszrizling 2017 Száka Olaszrizling 2017 Kővágó Furmint 2015 Tokaji Nyulászó Hárslevelű 2015 Dűlőválogatás Furmint 2016 “Kékderű” Badacsonyi Kéknyelű 2017 Balatoncsicsói Juhfark 2018 Kéknyelű 2017 Etyeki Kúria Kékfrankos 2015 Szekszárdi Kékfrankos Prémium 2016 Blaufrankisch Prémium 2016 Szekszárdi Iván-völgyi Bikavér 2016 Szekszárdi Bikavér Válogatás „Faluhely” 2015 Szekszárdi Bikavér 2015 Szekszárdi Kadarka 2017 “Sógor” Szekszárdi Kadarka 2018 Kadarka 2017 Trinitás Villányi Franc 2015 Villányi Franc 2015 Villányi Franc 2016 Tokaji Aszú 5 puttonyos 2013 “Relique” Tokaji Aszú 2016 Szt. Tamás 6 puttonyos Aszú 2013 Olaszrizling category

SZÖLLŐSI WINERY

This family winery is located 65 kms to the west of Budapest. They have vineyards on a total of 40 hectares, growing the local vine varieties of the Neszmély wine region, which is mostly famous for its white wines. The cellar, which has an historical atmosphere, was built by Count Miklós Zichy in 1830. Its restoration produced one of the most beautiful underground wine cellars, where old traditions and modern technology blend together. The cellar’s climate is perfect, the finest wines mature in cooled, stainless steel tanks with a capacity of 4,000 hectolitres and barrique oak barrels with a capacity of 200 hectolitres. OLASZRIZLING 2017

The grapes of the 2017 vintage were harvested and picked in early October. The carefully vinified wine received longer maturing, first in a steel tank and then in a wooden barrel. A discreet varietal wine with a nice balance, and elegance, characterised by ripe aromas and flavours. The floral-honey notes are accompanied by cool citrusy sourness and a hint of almond. Its delicate, lively acids give it a nice hold thanks to the calcareous soil. Olaszrizling has deservedly been awarded the “flagship wine” of the Neszmély wine region title. Furmint category

GRAND TOKAJ

Grand Tokaj Zrt. is the largest winery in the Tokaj-Hegyalja wine region, which accounts for about 35 per cent of the region’s production. The 67-hectare vineyard, as an integrator of the region, buys grapes from 1,000 hectares of cultivated land, from over a thousand smallholders. The technological background is provided by a 6.6 million litre tank hall. The wines of Grand Tokaj Winery, which represent a new spirit of wine-making, are produced under the supervision of Károly Áts, winner of the title “Winemaker of the Year” in 2012, who is well-known for his perfect score (100-point) Essence and has been chief oenologist here since 2013. KŐVÁGÓ FURMINT 2015

This healthy vintage-harvested furmint, after gentle extraction, underwent fermentation in a 5 hectolitre first-filled barrel. It was matured until mid-April, and kept sur lie. The coolness found in the wine blends nicely with the savour of the furmint grape, which is complemented by the minerality of the Kővágó vineyard in Mád. Thanks to the new barrel fermentation and maturation, a lovely smokiness is present in the taste; the appearance and character of furmint grapes emerge paired with a vibrant grapefruit fruitiness. A full-bodied wine with a long aftertaste that reminds us of its salty, mineral character. Other whites category

ISTVÁNDY WINERY

Istvándy Winery is a third-generation winery in the Badacsony wine region. Their vineyards are located in the embrace of the Badacsony, Gulács, Csobánc and Tóti Hills, currently covering 40 hectares, complete with pastures and arable lands providing a home to indigenous animals such as the Mangalica Pig, Hungarian Steppe Cattle and Racka Sheep. Much emphasis is placed on varieties characteristic of the region, such as kéknyelű, as well as pinot gris and olaszrizling. The volcanic soil of the buttes and the local microclimate give wines an excellent acid structure and elegance, typical for the terroir.

Their credo: “We seek out the new while respecting the old, however, the emphasis is always on quality.” “KÉKDERŰ” BADACSONYI KÉKNYELŰ 2017

At the beginning of 2017, the Badacsony wine region experienced both cold and warm weather, but for its native, hard-to-cultivate kéknyelű, it was an outstanding year. Istvándy Winery has been involved in the rebirth of this legendary Hungarian variety from the very beginning. Kéknyelű is a fairly neutral species, so it is well suited for showcasing the characteristics of the terroir. The winning wine of the winery is endearingly fresh with reserved citrus notes in its aroma and taste, comely acidity and a pleasantly long finish. A wine of volcanic character, but elegant, with very long maturing potential. Kékfrankos category

ETYEKI KÚRIA WINERY

The Etyeki Kúria Winery has been operating since 1996 in Etyek, Öreghegy. In addition to a respect for tradition, Etyeki Kúria has been known for its innovative approach from the very beginning. Sándor Mérész, chief winemaker, joined the team 10 years ago, and since then he has been shaping the unique style of the wines, fusing local experience with the latest research results. The initial area of 1.5 hectares has now expanded to 54 hectares. The production takes place in two wine regions: apart from the variety trio grown in Etyek, sauvignon blanc, and pinot noir, kékfrankos is the dominant variety in their Sopron vineyard. ETYEKI KÚRIA KÉKFRANKOS 2015

These kékfrankos clusters were harvested by hand in the vineyards of Sopron. After 21 days of fermentation on the skin, the wine matured for one year in 300-litre oak barrels, half of which were new. The wine is characterised by a bright, medium intensity and ruby colour. The fruity notes of strawberries and cherries can be discovered along with the spiciness of liquorice and black pepper, complemented by toast and cloves. When tasting, the taste of ripe sour cherries and cranberries is determined by a touch of mint with layered seasoning. The tertiary notes of cooked plum and nutmeg indicate the development of a fruity character. Bikavér category

SEBESTYÉN WINERY

This family winery is currently operating on 13 hectares in the southwestern part of Hungary, in the Szekszárd wine region. Their predominant variety is kékfrankos, also providing their base for the bikavér (bull’s blood) wines. Regardless of the vintage, the aim is to harvest the highest quality grapes every year, for which their vineyard are tended with the greatest possible care. They wish to showcase the wine-growing potential of this region, about which they continue to learn even today, through their single vineyard wines. Major areas: Iván valley, Porkoláb valley, Görögszó, Nána. Their wines are characterised by vigorous acids, the spiciness of Szekszárd, variety-specific flavours and elegance. SZEKSZÁRDI IVÁN-VÖLGYI BIKAVÉR 2016

Bikavér is the most important wine of the winery, made from the grapes of the Iván Valley vineyards. The main aspect of blending is that the wine should remain elegant and well-suited for consumption. The base is kékfrankos, which is complemented by , kadarka and cabernet franc. The 2016 vintage is characterised by a vivid garnet colour, with intense fruity and spicy notes. Rich in flavours: sour cherry and forest red berries appear with spicy notes. A sip of this wine is well-rounded, characterised by a silky texture and a long aftertaste. A very elegant wine showing the richness of a loess and limestone vineyard. Kadarka category

NÉMETH JÁNOS WINERY

This family winery has its origin in the Iván Valley and is proud of a tradition that goes back several generations, yet it is one of the youngest and dynamically growing Szekszárd wineries. 2018 was of particular importance in their lives, as it was the jubilee twentieth year of their independent har- vest. Farming on more than 10 hectares, depending on the vintage, they produce approximately 50,000 bottles of wine, emphasising the advantages and opportunities of their terroir. They hold themselves to this philosophy throughout the process, be it kadarka, kékfrankos, white grapes or any other full-bodied global variety.

Their motto: “Simply from the vineyard.” SZEKSZÁRDI KADARKA 2017

This light, elegant, fruity kadarka comes from the loess Gyűszű valley, harvested from a vineyard planted in 2010. Traditional fermentation, carried out spontaneously in a tank, tamping and reductive maturing are used to produce this wine. As typical for this variety, it is a translucent pale colour. Delicate strawberry aromas and floral notes appear in its profile, with a spiciness that creates a special character. Low tannins and lively acids lend an exciting and comely freshness to one sip of this wine. Juicy red fruits make this willowy structure vivid. An ideal wine for gastronomic adventures. Cabernet franc category

HEUMANN WINERY

In 1995, the owners of the Heumann Winery, a Swiss-German couple, bought a then 40-year-old blauer portugieser vineyard in the Villány wine region, which has now grown into a nearly 15-hectare winery. Their philosophy: “Wine is our passion and dedication, and quality is the overall maxim.” Based on this creed, they follow the grapes until they are turned into wine, bottled and shelved. Their goal is to offer top quality wines at affordable prices, combining Swiss quality precision with the gifts of the Villány-Siklós terroir. Numerous domestic and international awards are prime evidence of their progress in the right direction. TRINITÁS VILLÁNYI FRANC 2015

Villányi Franc is the new regional brand of the Villány wine region, launched in May 2014. It is 100 per cent produced from the Bordeaux cabernet franc grape with a strict crop limitation. Under the rules of protection of origin, the wine must spend at least one year in a barrel and another one in a bottle. Trinitás is a dark bright purple wine. Black berries in the nose with a hint of pepper, dark chocolate and vanilla. Well-integrated acidity, a great structure with finely grained tannins. Full bodied, yet elegant and fruity wine with a very long aftertaste. Aszú category

GRAND TOKAJ

As a successor to the Tokaj Trading House, Grand Tokaj Winery took over a heavy heritage and embarked upon the journey to rejuvenation. Transformation has been ongoing since 2013. Besides the construction of a processing plant that fully complies with 21st century requirements, it has also undergone full rebranding. Tokaj aszú (noble rot wine) is one of the world’s finest and best-known natural sweet wines. The making of aszú is a tradition dating back centuries in the wine region. During harvest the grapes are picked from each cluster individually and then soaked in wine or must of the same vintage. After that comes the pressing, the fermentation of the wine and the ripening. TOKAJI ASZÚ 5 PUTTONYOS 2013

2013 was a very good vintage, because high-quality botrytis-rich aszú grapes could be harvested. The base wine is 100 per cent furmint. Its aroma is very complex: it is characterised by peach, orange peel, brittle, figs and exotic flowers with a hint of dill at the end. Upon tasting one can perceive orange, quince, pear and apricot, with hints of white chocolate, vanilla, and finally, lime, grapefruit, and an aftertaste of coffee. The acids maintain the wine’s round and long body. A true Tokaji specialty wine with great potential, looking forward to a long development stage. Wine regions and winning winemakers of 2019

Grand Tokaj Winery

Szöllősi Winery

Istvándy Winery

Németh János Winery

Sebestyén Winery

Heumann Winery Grand Tokaj Winery

Szöllősi Winery

Istvándy Winery

Németh János Winery

Sebestyén Winery

Heumann Winery Grand Tokaj Winery

North Transdanube Sopron Pannonhalma Szöllősi Winery Neszmély Mór Etyek-Buda Balaton Nagy-Somló Zala Balaton-felvidék Badacsony Balatonfüred-Csopak Balatonboglár Pannon Istvándy Winery Tolna Szekszárd Pécs Villány Danube (Duna) Hajós-Baja Kunság Németh János Winery Csongrád Upper Hungary Sebestyén Winery Mátra Bükk Eger Tokaj Heumann Winery Tokaj Across the border Arad Foothills Garam Valley Nominated wineries for The Wine of the Hungarian Parliament

Pannonhalma wine region Babarczi Vineyard and Winery Bónis-Reitter Winery Szent Márton Winery Etyek-Buda wine region Etyeki Kúria Winery Neszmély wine region Hilltop Neszmély Szöllősi Winery Mór wine region Csetvei Winery Paulus Molnár Winery Nagy-Somló wine region Barcza Winery Fazekas Winery Zala wine region Bussay Winery Cezar Winery Badacsony wine region Büttner Wine Estate Gilvesy Winery Istvándy Winery Laposa Estate Sipos Winery Szászi Winery Balatonfüred-Csopak wine region Canter Winery Dobosi Winery and Guesthouse Echo Winery Dörgicse-Tihany Figula Winery Fodorvin Family Winery Gyukli Winery Homola Winery Koczor Winery Pántlika Winery Szabó and Son Wine Cellar ZELNA Winery Balatonboglár wine region Garamvári Wine Estate South-Balaton wine region Bujdosó Vineyard and Winery Légli Wine Estate Kancellár Estate Kolonics Winery Kreinbacher Estate Tornai Winery Az Országház Bora borversenyre nevezett pincészetek 2019

Szekszárd wine region Bodri Winery Eszterbauer Winery Fritz Winery Mészáros Winery and Cellar Németh János Winery Schieber Winery Sebestyén Winery Szent Gaál Chateau and Winery Takler Wine Estate Twickel Wine Estate Vesztergombi Winery Vida Family Estate Villány wine region Agancsos Winery Günzer Family Estate Heumann Winery Jekl Winery Villány Koch Winery Kvassay Winery Lelovits Tamás Winery Maul Zsolt Winery Riczu Tamás Winery Ruppert Winery Sauska Winery Streit-Zagonyi Winery Szemes Winery Vylyan Wine Estate and Winery Pécs wine region PTE Institute of Viticulture and Winemaking Kunság wine region Font Winery Frittmann Winery Szentpéteri Winery Hajós-Baja wine region Koch Winery Naphegy Winery Besenyei Winery Egri Korona Winery Havas & Timár Winery Juhászvin Winery Petrény Winery Tóth Ferenc Winery Villa Wanda Wine Manufacture Mátra wine region Dubicz Winery and Vineyard Kővágó Winery Bodri Pincészet Tokaj Foothills wine region Árpád-hegy Winery Eszterbauer Borászat Árvay Family Winery Fritz Borház Áts Károly Winery Mészáros Pincészet és Borház Babits Winery Németh János Pincészet Balassa Wine Schieber Pincészet Bardon Winery Sebestyén Pince Barta Winery Szent Gaál Kastély és Borház Béres Vineyards and Winery Takler Borbirtok Breitenbach Winery Twickel Szőlőbirtok Budányi Winery Vesztergombi Pince Carpinus Winery Vida Családi Borbirtok Demetervin Agancsos Pincészet Dereszla Winery Günzer Családi Birtok Dobogó Winery Heumann Pincészet Erzsébet Winery Jekl Pincészet Villány Frikker Winery Tokaj-Hegyalja Koch Borászat Füleky Winery Kvassay Pincészet Gizella Winery Tokaj Lelovits Tamás Pincészete Götz Winery Maul Zsolt Pincészete Grand Tokaj Riczu Tamás Borászata Gróf Degenfeld Wine Estate Ruppert Borház Hangavári Winery Sauska Borászat Holdvölgy Winery Streit-Zagonyi Borászat Kvaszinger Winery Szemes Pince MAD WINE Winery Vylyan Szőlőbirtok és Pincészet Myrtus Winery PTE Szőlészeti és Borászati Kutatóintézet Orosz Gábor Wine Estate and Winery Font Pincészet Pajzos Winery Frittmann Borászat Pannon Tokaj Winery Szentpéteri Borpince Patricius Winery Koch Borászat Pauleczki-Vin Wine Estate and Winery Naphegy Pincészet Royal Tokaji Winery Besenyei Borház Sauska Winery Egri Korona Borház Tokaj Nobilis Wine Estate Havas & Timár Pincészet Tokaj-Hétszőlő Bio Wine Estate Juhász Testvérek Pincészete Tokajicum Winery Petrény Winery Arad Foothills wine region Balla Géza Winery Tóth Ferenc Pincészet Garam Valley wine region Bott Frigyes Winery Villa Wanda Bormanufaktúra Dubicz Borászat & Szőlőbirtok Kővágó Pince Winners at the Wine of the Hungarian Parliament competition held in 2017 (noble rot wine) tokaji aszú cabernet franc kadarka bikavér kékfrankos other whites furmint olaszrizling CATEGORY Dr MiklósKállay, headjudge Winners ofthe2017competitionwithSpeakerLászlóKövérand RANKING 3 2 1 3 2 1 3 2 1 3 2 1 3 2 1 3 2 1 3 2 1 3 2 1 Zsadányi Vineyards andWinery Szent Tamás Vineyards and Winery Grand Tokaj Winery Mokos Winery Petrény Winery Heumann Winery Vesztergombi Winery Szent GaálChateauandWinery Takler Wine Estate Eszterbauer Winery Besenyei Winery Fritz Winery Bock Winery Lajvér Winery Fritz Winery Petrény Winery Tornai Winery Kolonics Winery Patricius Winery Orosz Gábor Dobogó Winery Gál Vineyard andWinery Kancellár Estate Kristinus Wine Estate WINERY WINES Olaszrizling 2015 Nagy-Somlói Olaszrizling 2013 Balaton-felvidéki Olaszrizling 2015 Dobogó Tokaji Furmint 2015 Tokaji Furmint Hárslevelű Nyulászó 2013 Tokaji Furmint Selection 2015 Somlói Juhfark 2015 Top Selection Grófi Juhfark 2015 Solaria Hárslevelű 2009 Kékfrankos 2012 Lajvér Szekszárdi Kékfrankos 2014 Bock Kékfrankos 2015 Szekszárdi Bikavér 2012 Egri Bikavér Superior 2013 Tüke – Szekszárdi Bikavér 2013 Kadarka 2015 Szekszárdi Kadarka Válogatás 2015 Szekszárdi Kadarka 2013 Villányi Franc 2012 Cabernet Franc 2011 Villányi Franc 2011 Tokaji Aszú 6 puttonyos 2013 Aszú 2009 Tokaji Aszú 6 puttonyos 2010 Winners at the Wine of the Hungarian Parliament competition held in 2018 (noble rot wine) tokaji aszú cabernet franc kadarka bikavér kékfrankos other whites furmint olaszrizling CATEGORY Dr MiklósKállay, headjudge Winners ofthe2018competitionwithSpeakerLászlóKövérand RANKING 3 2 1 3 2 1 3 2 1 3 2 1 3 2 1 3 2 1 3 2 1 3 2 1 Holdvölgy Winery Royal Tokaji Winery Grand Tokaj Liszkay Winery Gere Tamás andZsoltWinery Juhaszvin Winery Sebestyén Winery Szekszárd Twickel Wine Estate Eszterbauer Winery Thummerer Winery Petrény Winery Petrény Winery Bősz AdriánWinery Etyeki KúriaWinery Günzer Winery Dobosi Winery andGuesthouse Royal Tokaji Winery Dobosi Winery andGuesthouse Gróf DegenfeldWine Estate Grand Tokaj Béres Vineyards andWinery Bussay Winery Twickel Wine Estate Figula Winery WINERY WINES Lőcze Olaszrizling 2015 Liszt Szekszárdi Olaszrizling 2017 Olaszrizling 2016 Tokaji Naparany Cuvée 2015 Tokaji Kővágó Furmint 2015 Tokaji Furmint Zomborka 2015 Bio Kéknyelű 2016 Betsek Hárslevelű 2016 By Appointment Issue 5 Bio Juhfark 2017 Kékfrankos Prémium 2012 Etyeki Kúria Kékfrankos 2015 Szekszárdi Kékfrankos 2013 Borgundi Egri Bikavér 2012 Egri Bikavér 2014 Egri Bikavér Grand Superior Nagy-Eged-dűlő 2012 Nagyapám Szekszárdi Kadarka 2017 Liszt Szekszárdi Kadarka 2015 Szekszárdi Kadarka 2017 Cabernet Franc Grand Selection 2011 Villányi Franc Válogatás 2012 Cabernet Franc Barrique 2013 Tokaji Szarvas Aszú 6 puttonyos 2013 Tokaji 6 puttonyos Aszú 2013 Culture – Tokaji Aszú 6 puttonyos 2011 Written by: Emese Domián

Photos: György Bencze-Kovács, Etyeki Kúria Kft., András Grépály, Kornél Makovics, Zoltán Miklóska, László Ocsovai, Attila Papp, Tamás Szentgyörgyvári

Maps by: Ede András Molnár, András Nagy

Published by the Office of the National Assembly in 2019.