THE PALINKERIE HOLIDAY BOX 2024

It’s time once more for the Palinkerie Holiday Box 2024!

P.A.N.K. “Tropikaal” Pét-Nat, 2023 Sparkling, Dry, White

Attila Pálffy is a seventh-generation winemaker in the Hungarian village of Köveskál, north of Lake Balaton. P.A.N.K. (Pálffy Attila Nemes Köveskál) is Pálffy's natural wine project, an homage to his days as a bassist for a Hungarian punk band. The Tropikaal Pét-Nat is a special edition pét-nat (natural-style sparkling wine), made of the pressed must of his young Furmint vines. This wine is completely natural – spontaneously fermented with native yeasts, unfiltered, unfined, and not disgorged, with zero sulfur added. Certified organic.

Athena’s tasting notes: “This sparkling wine is celebratory, fresh and delightful. It has flavors like creamy pineapple rind, zippy crabapple and lemon tart.”

Pairing suggestions from Atti and Orsi: “Try this wine with oysters. Or crème brûlée.”

TR Tállya Radicals “Dry”, 2019 Dry, Medium-Bodied, White

The TR Tállya Radicals are a group of friends who started making beautiful small-production wines in Tokaj about 10 years ago. The “Dry” is their classic, acid-driven Tokaji blend of Furmint (80%) and Hárslevelü (20%) from the great 2019 vintage. Spontaneous fermentation in stainless steel tank, and aging in stainless steel (75%) and 300L Hungarian oak (25%). Only 3000 bottles made. Certified organic.

Athena’s tasting notes: “This is a shining example of a dry Tokaji wine. Aromas of apple blossom prevail on the nose, with pears, cinnamon and almonds on the palate.”

Pairing suggestions from Anikó: “Gravlax; risotto with pumpkin cream; sweet potato chips; salmon in a lemon caper sauce; grilled chicken with quinoa mixed with beetroot and dried apricot; fish with Jerusalem artichokes and grilled carrots with honey; scallops with smoked asparagus and hollandaise.” (YUM)

Villa Tolnay “Tenger”, 2023 Dry, Medium-Bodied, White

Villa Tolnay is a small family-run estate located on the historic winemaking hill of Csobánc in western Hungary. The “Tenger” ("sea" in Hungarian) is a terroir-driven white blend inspired by the ancient Pannonian Sea, which provides Csobánc with the unique basalt soils and ancient sea sediments that leave an indelible imprint on its wines. This wine was spontaneously fermented with native yeasts and aged in small French oak and large Stockinger barrels for 6-12 months. Chardonnay (50%), Riesling (30%), Olaszrizling (20%).  Certified organic.

Athena’s tasting notes: “This wine is alluring on the nose and satisfyingly generous on the palate. It has flavors of ripe stone fruit, zippy citrus and salt, with an elegant creamy finish.”

Pairing suggestions from Philipp: “Goose with potato purée and a hint of truffle oil, cooked in a light jus of white wine; Black Cod in beurre blanc with a teaspoon of caviar; fresh cheese like Camembert or a mild blue cheese.”

Bukolyi Marcell “Joy” Pinot Noir, 2022 Dry, Medium-Bodied, Red

Marcell Bukolyi makes handcrafted wines on his small estate in the northern wine region of Eger.  He was the first winemaker to certify organic in the area. This is an energetic, medium-bodied Pinot Noir from Marcell’s volcanic vineyards. Spontaneous fermentation and aging occurred in stainless steel tanks. Unfiltered and unfined, with low sulfur added. Certified organic (2018).

Athena’s tasting notes: “This is an unoaked, pure Pinot Noir from the beautiful healthy fruit of 2022.  Balanced and bright, the "Joy" is aromatic and mineral, with flavors of strawberry, cherry, violet and chai spice.”

Pairing suggestions from Marcell: “Wild mushroom stew, roast pork or boar, or have it with goat cheese and green salad.”

Szent Donát “Tufa”, 2022 Dry, Medium-Bodied Red

Szent Donát is located on the northern slopes of Lake Balaton in Western Hungary. As the name implies, the “Tufa” is a terroir-driven red blend from the basalt soils of the Tihany peninsula directly on Lake Balaton. Spontaneous fermentation without temperature control occurred in wooden vats, and then aging was on the fine lees for 10 months in steel, oak barrels and ceramic eggs. Kékfrankos (50%), Cabernet Franc (25%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (25%). Certified organic.

Athena’s tasting notes: “The varieties in the “Tufa” 2022 are juicy and fresh, but the volcanic soils of Tihany impart a dark mysterious quality to the wine. Flavors of blackberry, wild cherry, black cherry and currants meet chocolate and cocoa on the palate, with a long peppery finish.”

Pairing suggestions from Tomi: “Goose leg confit with red cabbage, stewed with whole chestnuts and prunes. This is one of my favorite dishes, and one that my mother always prepares for Christmas. It’s a perfect match for the Tufa!”

Wassmann Pince “Mundia”, 2021 Dry, Fuller-Bodied Red

The Wassmanns moved to the southernmost wine region of Villány in Hungary in the 1990s and were pioneers of organic and biodynamic winemaking. The “Mundia” is a luscious red blend they invented in 2021 to celebrate the anniversary of their best friends. The wine was spontaneously fermented and aged in 220 L used Hungarian and French oak barrels for 1.5 years. It is also a totally natural wine – unfiltered, unfined, with zero sulfur added. Kékfrankos 65%, Cabernet Franc 35%. Certified organic and biodynamic.

Athena’s tasting notes: “This wine is what I always want a high-end natural red to taste like - and it rarely does. Supple and juicy, with flavors like black forest cake, chewy raspberries and blackberries, cacao, wild peppermint and cream.”

Pairing suggestions from Susann: “Duck breast with caramelized quince and onions; green papaya salad.”