2018 Losonci Királyleányka
Matra, Hungary
2018
100% Királyleányka
Continental
Andesite (volcanic), iron/red clay and chalk
macerated for 60 days and then left it on the lees in barrel for 5 years.
12.8%
1.1 g/l
6.9 g/l
Notes & Pairings
This wine is a mix of extremes. The vineyard received zero spraying of any kind in 2018. Bálint then picked at peak ripeness, macerated for 60 days and then left it on the lees in barrel for 5 years without racking. Bottled unfiltered with zero additions. 400 bottles produced. At first glance, it looks like a Georgian Qvevri wine from Kakheti. Burnt orange despite the smiling squirrel on the label. But let’s consider this grape. Királylányka is a crossing between Leányka with Kövérszőlő. Kövérszőlő is perhaps better known as Grasăde Cotnari in Romania and is responsible for the botyritized sweet wines in said country. Leányka brings acidity and aromatics and is often used as a blending agent in sparkling wines. Királylányka is also often, and incorrectly, assumed to be the same grape as Fetească Regală because both essentially mean “little princess.” Long story short, this wine smells like caramelised botrytis, but the acidity and grip are in such balance that the whole thing holds together. It’s an absolute trip, and due to its incredibly small production, we hope you get to try it.
