Kekfrankos Balf Franz Weninger 2017/18

Kekfrankos Balf Franz Weninger 2017, biodynamic wine, 100% Kekfrankos (Blaufrankisch), stainless steel and old barrels, lean, fresh, fruity, delicious. This wine comes from different vineyards ageing between 19 and 47 years near the town of Balf, famous for its thermal springs. Yields are low at 40 hectolitres per hectare and the vines lie on rolling slopes around 200 metres above sea level in the foothills of the mountains. This was the first Kekfrankos to be produced in Hungary and represents the true style of the variety with all its fresh fruits and spice.

Franz Weninger comes from a lineage which dates back to the early 19th century in the town of Horitschon, Burgenland in southern Austria. Not long after the end of communist Hungary, Franz’s Father bought some parcels of vines in Balf, close to Sopron thought to be the best area for Kekfrankos (Blaufrankisch) in Hungary. The area lies in close proximity to lake Neusiedlersee which has a warming influence contrasted by cool winds which come down from the nearby mountains. This special climate makes for perfect ripening conditions for Kekfrankos.

Since 2006, the Wininger family have been working biodynamically which they see as essential for the best quality grapes and to fully realise the difference in terroir expressed in this sensitive grape variety. The soils in Sopron, Gneiss and Mica-schist yield a different style of wine to that in nearby Burgenland which is limestone, chalk, and clay. Their production in both Hungary and Austria is dominated by different expressions of Kekfrankos but they also plant Furmint, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, some international varieties and even produce a delicious natural cider. Their commitment to natural farming and quality wine is combined with outstanding value for money.