2017 Meinklang ‘Foam’ Somló Pétillant Naturel

Region: Somló’ < Hungary

Grapes: Hárslevelü, Juhfark

Vineyard/Cellar Stats: Demeter certified biodynamic, sandy, loam topsoil, volcanic subsoil, unfiltered and disgorged by hand, no added SO2

Winemaker: Werner, Hannes and Lukas Michlits

We love when we find a producer we haven’t worked with before who not only checks all of our boxes, but is certified biodynamic to boot and adds no sulfur. Friends, meet Meinklang. The Michlit family were farmers on this land before World War I, when this part of Austria still belonged to Hungary. They have always worked a fully integrated farm with animals (cows, chickens, pigs, sheep and horses), orchards and grains in addition to grapes. They practice crop rotation and nothing goes to waste. After the war, the farm was broken in two and their village ended up across the border in Austria meaning they had to give up their parcel in Hungary. Parents Anneliese and Werner proudly reclaimed this after the fall of communism which worked out very well when it became clear that not just one, but all of their three sons would stick around to carry on the family business! This month’s bubbly, ‘Foam Somló’ Pet’Nat, comes from their property in Hungary. Made from a combination of indigenous Hungarian varieties, Hárslevelü and Juhfark, it speaks to every wine drinker – geek or not. Super delicious and perfectly balanced between the stone fruit and bruised apples in the Hárslevelü and firm acidity, brightness and minerality from the Juhfark. With the alcohol a ridiculously low 10.5%, and no added SO2 this is really a wine you should always have on hand – for poolside, early evening aperitifs and any summery dinner combo..