Balatonboglar (South Balaton) is one of several wine regions on the shores of Lake Balaton, in the Transdanubia region of western Hungary. Lake Balaton is a Long, thin freshwater lake measuring almost 80 kilometers (50 miles) in Length, sometimes referred to as the 'Hungarian Sea. ' It is the largest lake in Central Europe and Hungary's most popular tourist destination.
A wide portfolio of the popular, internationally recognized Grape varieties are grown here, including a number of the French classics.
Balatonboglar's Sparkling wines are increasingly successful, many of which are based on the classic Champagne recipe of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
The region also produces a range of ripe, Fruity reds, mostly from Gamay, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Syrah grapes. Dry whites from Balatonboglar are likely to be based on Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris and Muscat Blanc, which are also popular on the western side of the lake.
The lake also plays a vital role in moderating the Climate in western Hungary.
It is largely due to the presence of the lake (as well as Lake Neusiedl, or the Neusiedlersee) that high quality viticulture is possible here. Without the moderating influence of these two bodies of water, the climate would be more continental, with soaring summer temperatures and very cold winters.
The significance of the lake is reflected in the fact that Balaton is referenced in many of the names of the regions, towns and villages in the area. The two other winemaking regions in the area are named Balatonfured-Csopa and Balaton Felvidek.
Furmint is a very old Hungarian grape variety. It arrived in France in the 1800s. The bunches of Furmint are of medium size. They are compact and cylindrical. The berries are also of medium size. They are either short elliptical or rounded. Their thick skin changes from greenish white to reddish once the fruit is mature. This grape variety is known throughout the world for being part of the composition of the Hungarian Tokaj vintage. Robust, rich in alcohol and acidity, it needs light soil and a warm, dry climate to be fertile. It must also be pruned short and its budding takes place 7 days after the Chasselas. As for its maturity, it is of the second late period. This grape variety fears grey rot and erinosis. When vinified dry, Furmint produces a very fragrant, fine and highly alcoholic white wine.
white wines from the region of Balaton go well with generally quite well with dishes of pork, rich fish (salmon, tuna etc) or spicy food such as recipes of pasta "carbonara" à la française, salt crusted sea bass or chinese noodles with shrimp.
On the nose in the region of Balaton often reveals types of flavors of earth, tree fruit or citrus fruit and sometimes also flavors of tropical fruit, microbio or vegetal.
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The largest-ever year for entries, an incredible 18,244 wines were judged at the 2022 Decanter World Wine Awards – with just 163 wines awarded a Platinum medal. ‘Winning a Platinum medal is something really exceptional’ said Decanter World Wine Awards Co-Chair Sarah Jane Evans MW. ‘Platinum is like the stratospheric level’ she commented, ‘so it’s really saying to the winemaker: this is a great wine.’ Making up just 0.87% of the total wines tasted at the 2022 c ...
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