2023 Káli-Kövek Kalamona
Balaton-felvidék, Hungary
2023
40 Hárslevelű, 35% Juhfark, 25% Furmint
Sub-Mediterranean
Volcanic Basaltic Tuff
Spontaneously fermented in barrels. Aged 7 months in Hungarian oak
11.5%
Notes & Pairings
Kalamona is the name of the three-headed dragon that according to fairytales, steals the wind and brings about great heat and drought to the Summer. Not exactly a revered hero, but the name suits the wine since each of the three heads represents a grape in the blend: Hárslevelű, Juhfark, and Furmint. The fruit doesn’t come from the Káli basin either, but about 45 minutes north on the extinct volcano of Somló. Hand picked and spontaneously fermented in barrels back in Köveskál, it then ages 7 more months in barrel. This is a Lake Balaton approach to Somlói fruit and according to Gyula, “It takes you back to the archaic fairytale world.” With zero maceration, zero botrytis, and mostly free-run, this is salty and electric volcanic white wine.
