Couple of weeks ago the Vida Winery released their new wine with the name “Lösz”. A rather different “assemblage” and interpretation of cuvée coming from the soils of Szekszárd which are indeed predominantly loess based.
Some may think loess, this warm and porous, permeable soil this wind blown dust is of lesser quality compared to other harder soil types. But it’s nothing like this, a great material to dig cellars in it, like in the Weinviertel (around Retz) in Austria or loess is often be found where volcanic soil also exists like in Baden (Kaisterstuhl) in Germany or around Oregon, Alsace and not to forget Tokaj in Hungary.
Péter Vida is thoughtful winemaker with diligence and humility yet sometimes philosophical approach with a deeper meaning though.
One of my first visits many years ago to Péter´s Estate
See below the tasting notes of the current wines, tasted on the 16.09.2020.
Bonsai Kadarka 2017, Old Vines
The vines are from 1920, warmer year with 13% abv. Pale colour with fine fruit of red currant, wild strawberry burst on the nose underlined with peach blossom.
Refreshing bright juice palate led by sour cherry, cranberry, well balanced.
Drink now – 2021
Hidaspetre Kékfrankos 2016
Ruby colour with hibiscus, red berry, bright aromas of cherry and red plum. Sweet fruit on the palate yet with a delicate juicy texture and unmistakable freshness. Bright finish, 500 L used 15 months of oak.
Drink now – 2022
Bikavér 2016
Blend led by 60% Kékfrankos. Medium deep ruby colour with plenty of bold, vibrant red fruit and hint of floral touch. Fine juicy, refreshing fruit with some rose oil, hibiscus and milk chocolate at the end, smooth with just the right concentration.
Drink now – 2025
Lösz 2017
Their new wine just released recently, from three different vineyard sites: Hidaspetre, Baranyavölgy, and Virághegy vineyards. Blend of Cabernet sauvignon, Merlot, Kékfrankos, Syrah, Carmenére, 21 months in oak. The label and wording recalling the predominant soil of the Szekszárd district, loess.
Burst of red and black fruit on the nose with cherry, bramble, wild strawberry. Pronounced grip, firm tannins, full bodied with a certain warm, „ mediterranean touch”, youthful.
Drink 2021-2025
La Vida 2016
90% Merlot. Full on fruit on with burst of blueberry, bramble, full bodied, hint of pencil shaving and sweet – dark chocolate, mocha tone underlined by creamy cranberry brûlée, layered with plenty of spice, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, cocoa.
Drink now – 2030
