Chateau Bela, Riesling, 2024

'One-Liner'
A beautifully fresh Slovakian Riesling with citrus, floral lift, saline minerality and a bright, dry finish.

Tasting Note
Bright pale yellow in the glass. The nose is expressive and precise, with lime, citrus blossom, honeysuckle, fresh herbs and a gentle spicy edge. On the palate it is dry, fresh and mouth-watering, with a lovely line of citrus acidity running through the wine. Saline minerality balances the fruit and floral notes, giving it both elegance and energy. A proper Riesling with purity, tension and a quietly serious finish.

Country: Slovakia
Region: Štúrovo
Sub-Region: n/a
Grape(s): 100% Riesling
ABV: 13.5%
Friendly: n/a

Awards & Critics' Scores
n/a

The Story
Château Belá sits in southern Slovakia, close to the Danube and the Hungarian border, in a part of Europe where vines have been grown for a very long time. The estate itself has become closely associated with Riesling, especially through the work of Egon Müller and Miroslav Petrech.
This is Riesling from limestone slopes below the castle, with the Danube helping to shape the growing conditions nearby. The style is fresh, pure and mineral, showing the grape’s ability to carry fruit, flowers, spice and acidity without ever feeling heavy.
What makes this bottle so interesting is the meeting of place and pedigree. Slovakia is still under the radar for many wine drinkers, but this is not a curiosity bottle – it is a serious, beautifully made Riesling with clarity, freshness and enough bite to sit very happily at the table.

Perfect With... (click me for the recipe)
- Meat/fish: Trout amandine with lemon butter and parsley
- Vegetarian: Goat’s cheese, pea and mint tart
- Vegan: Courgette, broad bean and lemon orzo with herbs