Join the Riesling Side!

When it comes to Lake Balaton and Riesling, the first things that come into our mind are Csopak and István Jásdi. This is what we'd recommend if we had to choose only one. You can find the Csopaki Riesling in supermarkets as well, but it is best to have a glass (or bottle) of it on the terrace of the Jásdi Wine Cellar. After that you can move on to the other single-vineyard Reislings (from Lőczedomb and Siralomvágó) by Jásdi.

The Kislaki Wine Manufacture of Balatonboglár-Szőlőskislak clipped down its name to Kislaki this year, but its popularity among the fans of artisan wine is still unbroken. You can meet Géza Légli in person at the Etyek Picnic as well. The name Jánoshegy does not refer to the highest point of Budapest, János-hegy (529 m), but the vinehill where Géza Légli's Riesling grapes are grown.

The most exciting move of 2HA on Szent György-hegy is undoubtedly the red Tabunello, made of the Italian Sangiovese grape variety. The last time Lake Balaton had seen such a wine before was in the Roman times, probably. 2HA, however, is not against traditions: they make a few thousand bottles of Welschriesling as well. The currently commercially available vintage is an unfiltered, serious item from 2012.

Some critics claim that the Welschriesling  2012 by the Guden Kisbirtok of Paloznak is one of the epitomes of its kind in Hungary. The best measure of this wine's success is that - unfortunately for us - the 2012 vintage is no longer available. There is also a silver lining, thankfully: according to the Facebook page of the winery, the 2013 vintage surpasses that of 2012, so we'll just have to wait for it.

Köveskál is the party centre of the Káli-medence. The Káli Art Inn, Káli Kövek winery, the Kővirág Pension and Restaurant, MI A KŐ, and Pálffy Pince all stand within a 300-metre circle. Although Káli Kövek is also a major competitor when it comes to Riesling, this time, we follow the lead of Bortársaság's April choices and recommend the wines by Pálffy Pince' wines. The Káli Királyi Welschriesling Selection 2012 is a must!

The name of the 100% series by the Homola Pincészet of Paloznak means that the winery strives to make the most of the grape varieties of the Balaton. On top of it all, they do this under the direction of a Tokaj winemaker, Attila Homonna. Homola Winery has been open a few years now and it now prepares to step from the drink cards of restaurants and wine bars into the light of the wine coolers of the wider dbo. Be sure to follow-up the events!

Wandering off from hotshot wineries is also worthwhile on the south shore, because you can find several cellars in, for example, Kötcse that duly repay your attention, such as Fáncsi Hegyi Pince, Buzás or the Veszprémi Family Winery. The latter, László Veszprémi's cellar is a category in itself. In good weather, they'll cook you something in the stove, and the wines are always there to taste. You can buy their artisan-bio wines on spot, belowe retail price. Give the Gránárium battonage Welschriesling a try!

Légli – Gesztenyés Riesling, Laposa - 4hegy Welschriesling, Villa Tolnay Welschriesling, Villa Tolnay Riesling.

Kredenc Wine Bistro's Best of Riesling selection from the Balatonfüred-Csopak wine region are listed in order of consuming.
1. Söptei Winery2013. Csopak 2. Pántlika Pincészet 2012. Dörgicse 3. Guden Kisbirtok 2013. Csopak 4. Szent Donát Kis-hegy 2012. Csopak 5. Jásdi Lőczedombi 2012. Csopak 6. Figula Sóskút 2011. Balatonszőlős 7. Tamás 2007. Csopak +1 non-Riesling, but surely a future hit: Homola 100% Balaton 2013.
Outside the Balatonfüred-Csopak wine region: 1. Skizo 2013. Badacsony 2. Bezerics 2012. Balatonboglár 3. Trombitás 2012. Szentbékkálla 4. Laposa 4 hegy 2012. Badacsony 5. Sabar 2012. Badacsony 6. Pálffy Káli Királyi selection 2012. Köveskál 7. Légli Banyászó 2011. Balatonboglár 8. Villa Tolnay 2011. Csobánc 9. 2Ha 2011. Szentgyörgy-hegy