2024 Heimann & Fiai Kadarka

Region: Szekszárd < Hungary (Sek­Sard)

Grapes: Kadarka

Vineyard/Cellar Stats:  Certified organic farming (which can no longer be on the label unless their importer is also certified organic ?!?); loess with Terra Rossa soils; spontaneous fermentation in concrete (partly whole bunches), 10-12 days of maceration, and then aged 4 months (full malo) in the same concrete; 12% ABV

Winemaker: Zoltan Heimann

• A light ruby, chillable red from Hungary
• Grape = Kadarka, a variety that makes delicate light red wines, like if Pinot Noir and Gamay had a spicy Balkan baby
• Locally Kadarka is considered a “pirosbor” -- not a proper red wine (vörösbor in Hungarian), but a lightweight, nervy, pale red
• Kadarka was probably brought to Hungary by Serbs fleeing from the Ottomans
• Juicy cherry, strawberry and plums with a sweet core,  supple, sleek texture and some stony, mineral notes
• Supremely elegant with fresh acidity and low tannins, she's super drinkable with or without food