Balaton

Hungary · IGP · Balaton · -1 commune(s)

Styles

Natural factors

Sub-Mediterranean–continental climate: the water mass of Lake Balaton cools the summer, raises humidity levels, and moderates the winter.
The Bakony mountain range shelters the region from cold north-westerly winds; mean annual temperature 9–11 °C, sunshine ~1,900 hours, precipitation 650 mm.
Characteristic soil: Rhamann-type illuvial barna erdőtalaj, which retains winter and spring rainfall and provides a consistent water supply throughout the growing season.
Evening breezes from the Bakony refresh the humid summer air, reduce fungal infection pressure, and promote a healthy harvest.

Human factors

Roman wine culture: finds from the western basin of the lake flourished under the measures of Emperor Probus, and wines reached northern Europe along the Amber Road.
After phylloxera, Olaszrizling and Szürkebarát became the dominant varieties; Pontic autochthonous grapes (Kéknyelű, Juhfark) have been reintroduced into commercial cultivation.

Product characteristics

Sensory hallmark of Balatoni wines: fruitiness and rounded, ripe acidity; in rosé and red wines, silky, elegant tannins.
Body and richness: the light reflected off the water surface and the long, sunny autumn produce high sugar levels and a full, generous palate.

Terroir / wine link

The water mass of Lake Balaton cools and evaporates: stress-free summer ripening results in wines free of vegetal aromas and harsh acidity.

Facts drawn from the cahier's terroir-link section (Lien au terroir) by automatic interpretation — see the source.