2016 Fekete Hárslevelű
Somló, Hungary (Shoam-low)
2016
100% Hárslevelű (HARSHlehveh-LOO)
Cool Continental
Basalt and ancient seabed
Southern
10 months in used 1000L barrels then another 36 months in fiber tank.
12%
4.2 g/l
7.3 g/l
Notes & Pairings
Maybe it’s Somló or just Central Europe in general, but there’s a consistent sentiment that crisis is fundamentally good. Character building. Plenty of historical moments to point to, but on the wine front, 2016 was a good example of a good crisis. Over 65% was lost due to a massive hailstorm. Selection was intense, it was cold, and this wine needed time. After 10 months in used 1000L barrels, it spent (and desperately needed) another 36 months in fiber tank. They say that most Somlói wines travelled well because they evolved so slowly, that by the time they reached their destination, fermentation had kept the wine healthy. A number of wines from this little hill even made it to the US Colonies. It appears that patience rings true again. This has ripping acidity, just enough RS to highlight the fruit, and so much going on for a barely 12%. Super limited, we are lucky to get some.
