2016 Pfneiszl Zefir

Region: Sopron < Hungary
Grapes: Zefir
Vineyard/Cellar Stats: Certified organic farming, slate and sandstone soil, minimal added SO2, aged in stainless steel, unfined/lightly filtered, 11.5% ABV
Winemaker: Pfneiszl

We love the Pfneiszi sisters, Birgit and Katrin, from Hungary, with their devotion to organic farming (certified!) and hands-off winemaking.   No pesticides, chemicals or weird additives here!  This duo is also responsible for the amazing Kékfrankos (aka the IL Blaufränkisch) that we so love.   Born and raised in Austria, the sisters moved to Sopron to escape Communism in ’93 and here they eventually acquired vineyards.  Birgit, the winemaker, “researched” her practice in Italy, Australia, the US, and South America before returning home to Hungary to begin running their organic estate.  The vineyards were certified organic in ’09 but have been practicing organic since the first vintage.  This perfect summer white is fresh, fruity, and floral.  Made of 100% Zefir grapes, which is a rather unknown varietal (which refers to Zephyr, the Greek god of the west wind), this wine is bold and bursting with flavor despite their remarkably small crops. With honey pollen and elderflower aromas, this light white begins tasting like peach fuzz that soon melts into watermelon juice and finishes with a bright tart acidity that leaves your mouth salivating long after swallowing. PLUS with a screw top, this might be our favorite picnic wine to date.  Pair with sunshine, a blanket, a Bluetooth speaker, and your favorite Saturday (or Tuesday night) crew.