Ivan Bikavér 2019

The Sebestyen Ivan Bikavér comes from the volcanic slopes of Szekszárd, a major wine-growing region in southern Hungary along the Danube River. The vines here benefit from a continental climate tempered by the river's influence, with warm summers and cooler nights. The soils combine loess, clay, and volcanic rock outcrops, creating a terroir ideal for traditional Hungarian red grape varieties. This geological diversity results in balanced, concentrated wines that are deeply marked by their origin, giving them a distinct identity within the landscape of Hungarian wines.

Detailed winemaking information for Sebestyen Ivan Bikavér 2019 is not provided by the winery. This Hungarian red wine is made from a traditional Szekszárd blend, sourced from hand-harvested grapes and carefully vinified to preserve the fruit and balance. Fermentation takes place in tanks, followed by aging in oak barrels to refine the tannic structure and add aromatic complexity, in a style typical of Sebestyen Bikavér wines.

This wine reveals notes of black cherry , ripe plum , and red berries , complemented by floral touches reminiscent of violet. Spicy nuances of pepper and clove mingle with light toasty oak and a subtly smoky character. The palate is supple, with fine tannins, a fresh acidity that enlivens the whole, and a velvety texture. The finish is medium to long, carried by fruit and spice, leaving an impression of finesse and balance.

It was the Romans who planted the first vines at a time when the Country was part of a region called Pannonia. It was at the dawn of the 18th century that Hungary, united with Austria, ensured the export of its most famous wine throughout Europe: Tokaj (from the Fürmint grape variety). As throughout Europe, in the 19th century, viticulture was destroyed by phylloxera. During the communist period, vineyards were managed in cooperatives which guaranteed a stable income for wine producers. Quite a few small winegrowers were unable to keep up with this growing economy, so the Hungarian vineyard was restructured, losing 30% of its surface area in the process. Nowadays, many family estates have emerged, some of which produce wines of incredible quality. As everywhere in Europe, viticulture is in decline as part of the European restructuring plan for the wine industry. Hungary, which is at the same latitude as Burgundy, has a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. The rainfall is sufficient for non-irrigated viticulture and the soils are heterogeneous and of high quality depending on the region. With around a hundred indigenous and international grape varieties, the country has good varietal diversity. The fürmint and the hárslevelü from the Tokaj region, vinified dry and at the origin of the great sweet wines of Tokaj, are undoubtedly the best-known varieties today. The most widely planted grape variety is Olasrizling for whites and Kéfrankos for reds. International grape varieties, mainly Bordeaux grape varieties, flourish in particular in the south of the country where they produce high-class wines.