A strange meeting....of chance....I'm all Hungary

onthegrapevine

[ to blog contents | search | post | to main wine pages ]

A strange meeting....of chance....I'm all Hungary

From: Mark
Category: Wine
Date: 07/05/2007
Time: 17:21:15

Comments

I was in for a meeting with a friend of mine, Ed Burnand of AB Design, at Foodeaze of Exeter (a marvellous food emporium by all accounts - and long may it last!) when I bumped into some character giving out samples of wine. He was from Hungary - on some kinda Baranya Cultural Exchange - and was trying to educate and tempt the locals with his vinous creations. I don't think even if Nick, the owner, knew he had come in, set up stall in the corner, and was peddling his wares! However this is beside the point. He had brought with him a marvellous collection of wines from the country. Totally over the heads of the Executions (the residents of Exeter as I call them). But wow - what wines - what quality. They put to shame the bland, dilute, sugary concoctions that we buy in the Supergluts. I 'borrowed' two bottles - one of which I must mention.

Polgar Hárslevelû 2004, Villany, Hungary - c.£7 (UK retail). But import per pallet bottle at around Euro 3.50 (UK trade buyers take note!)

This is a single varietal from one of the three grape varieties that make up the famous Tokaji. This is dry, mineral, concentrated, tropical, great waxy body with marvellous counter-punching acidity to lift the floral, waxy-lemon and honey notes. Fantastically classy. You cannot get this in this country. More fool those wine buyers (of the trade variety) who have not woken up to the dry, still-wine potential of Hungary...and such a classy producer as Polgar Pince Visit the website now and for xxxx-sake someone import their wines www.polgarpince.hu. At the last count they make nearly two dozen different wines from budget to ultra-ultra premium white, red, rose, sweet, dry, sparkling, indigenous and international varieties.