“I’m bloody interested what you will think of that Kadarka! Expect a never experienced (OK, most likely never) aroma profile and no tannins at all!”
“Ok, so like a Gamay maybe?”
“Hm-hm, not even that. But you will see; just let me know your thoughts afterwards.”

Kadarka is a grape mostly associated with the wines of Eger. Bull’s blood I think most older wine consumers remember. At least I’m speaking for myself and remembering back to my early twenties, when I first started buying wine. Then, the label – or name -probably was more the reason for why I chose a specific bottle. Bull’s blood was not only suitable for a student’s budget, it also had an aesthetic appeal.

Eger wines once disappeared and weren’t missed. Now they are back, with the 2009 Orsolya Pince Kadarka from the region of Egri Borvidék. 16 months in seasoned barrique; two to four years old.

“Expect a never experienced aroma profile and no tannins at all,” he said – Zoli.

Well, let’s try!

Allowed to breathe for a few hours in the decanter. Poured slightly chilled in Burgundy glasses.

Tasting note – 2009 Orsolya Pince Kadarka

Pale, transparent ruby color. Aromatic nose starting with rhubarb scents which evolve into mashed fresh strawberries, wild strawberries, under-vegetation, sage, lots of mineral ooze and summer flowers. Marigold. The flower scent is marigold. The mineral feel reminds me of the character I normally find in wines from Côte de Brouilly. A gentle note of oak adds an extra nuance.

ipe strawberries on the palate and a touch of slightly sour red cherries. Again, lots of mineral feel. Rhubarb, Marigold and herbs. Compost and a gentle note of milk chocolate. And just as Zoli told me, almost no tannins. This baby isn’t a keeper for many years but builds its short ageing capacity like a Pinot Noir, on acidity. Light as a feather, packed with aromas. Good length. Clean.

Just love it.

It doesn’t take long before I start looking for resemblance amongst other wines. If you haven’t tasted the beautiful 2009 Orsolya Pince Kadarka, then think in terms of the aromatic Sicilian grape of Frappato crossed with a German Spätburgunder and a nuance of Gamay from Beaujolais. There you have it. Easy peasy. Right?

Great drinkability. Now I just need more of this beauty….

Photo: 2009 Orsolya Pince Kadarka, Egri Borvidék, Hungary

By Niklas Jorgensen published on XpatLoop.com with the permission of Wine Virtuosity