Benedek Pince, Pinot Noir, 2023

'One-Liner'
A silky, fruit-forward Pinot Noir with vibrant red fruit, gentle spice and a fresh mineral edge.

Tasting Note
Bright ruby in the glass. The nose offers vibrant red fruit and gentle spice, while the palate is smooth and refined, with ripe berry fruit, supple tannins and a subtle mineral thread running through the finish. The warm vintage gives it a little extra roundness, but it still feels bright and well balanced.

Country: Hungary
Region: pinot
Sub-Region: Tűzköves Vineyard
Grape(s): 100% Pinot Noir
ABV: 13%
Friendly: Vegan, Vegetarian

Awards & Critics' Scores
n/a

The Story
Péter Benedek is a third-generation winemaker working in the Mátra hills, in northern Hungary, where volcanic soils and a cooler continental climate give the wines their freshness and poise. That setting suits Pinot Noir rather well. Instead of trying to make something heavy or overtly oaked, this wine leans into purity, spice and lift, with stainless steel ageing helping to keep the fruit clear and the texture silky. It feels like a thoughtful, modern expression of a still slightly under-the-radar Hungarian region.

Perfect With... (click me for the recipe)
- Meat/fish: Roast guinea fowl with mushrooms and thyme
- Vegetarian: Mushroom and Thyme Tart
- Vegan: Roast beetroot, lentil and herb salad with a mustard dressing