Vesztergombi Kékfrankos 2024
$46.00
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Kpo says: Chill it down and forget everything you thought Hungarian red wine must be — this is Kékfrankos in party mode! |
Kékfrankos is one of the essential red grapes of Hungary and an important part of the identity of Szekszárd. Known internationally as Blaufränkisch, the variety can produce everything from serious, structured and age-worthy reds to wonderfully juicy everyday wines. Vesztergombi Kékfrankos 2024 deliberately explores the latter: fresh, fruity and immediately approachable, without sacrificing the distinctive character of the grape.
Made from 100% Kékfrankos, this is the entry point into Vesztergombi’s interpretation of the variety. Rather than pursuing maximum extraction or concentration, the emphasis is firmly on fruit. The winery describes this as the lighter face of Kékfrankos, dominated by meggy — Hungarian sour cherry — in both aroma and flavour, alongside the variety’s naturally lively acidity and subtle floral character.
After fermentation, the wine receives only a short period of maturation in traditional large wooden casks ranging from 10 to 50 hectolitres. Large-format oak contributes very little overt wood flavour, allowing the bright fruit and freshness of Kékfrankos to remain at the centre of the wine. At just 12.5% alcohol, the result is particularly refreshing by modern red-wine standards.
Bright sour cherry and red berries lead the aromatic profile, accompanied by violet, pepper and gentle spice. The palate is light to medium-bodied, juicy and energetic, with lively acidity providing freshness while moderate tannins give just enough structure. This isn’t a Kékfrankos demanding years in the cellar or hours in a decanter — it is designed to be opened and enjoyed.
Vesztergombi also produces considerably more ambitious expressions of Kékfrankos, including its single-vineyard Porkolábvölgy bottling. This 2024 represents the other side of the variety: youthful, uncomplicated and highly drinkable, making it an ideal introduction to both Kékfrankos and the red wines of Szekszárd.
Technical Data
Style: Dry red
Maturation: Short maturation in traditional large wooden casks
Cask Size: 10–50 hl
| Country | Hungary |
|---|---|
| Region | Szekszárd |
| Grape Varietal | Single Varietal Local |
In stock
Alcohol: 12.5%
Vintage: 2024
Ageability: Now to 2031
Decanting: Not necessary
Serving temperature: 13-15 °C
Producer
The Vesztergombi family looks back on a centuries-old tradition of winemaking in the region around Szekszárd in southern Hungary, where the River Danube meanders between rolling hills and fertile valleys. This scenic setting provides the perfect conditions for growing red grapes with character. The Vesztergombi winery was re-established in 1991, resurrecting the long-held family tradition, and founder Ferenc Vesztergombi was awarded the prestigious “Winemaker of the Year” title in Hungary in 1993. Today, with three generations working together, the winery continues to produce award-winning red wines that authentically reflect the unique terroir of the Szekszárd region.
Today’s processing plant was built in 2004, but for them, the concepts of modern and traditional winemaking go hand in hand. That is why, during the harvest, the collect the grapes manually, before pressing them, but supervise the processes with modern technology.
Tasting Notes
Bright ruby-purple with an immediately attractive nose of sour cherry, red cherry and raspberry, accompanied by violet and gentle peppery spice.
Light to medium-bodied, juicy and refreshing, with vibrant red fruit carried by lively acidity. Tannins are present but supple, while the brief maturation in large wooden casks adds subtle roundness without introducing obvious oak flavours.
The finish is fresh, spicy and distinctly cherry-driven — a straightforward but very characteristic expression of youthful Kékfrankos.
Nose
Sour Cherry • Raspberry • Violet • Pepper
Palate
Red Cherry • Cranberry • Spice • Herbs
Food
Nasi goreng kambing • Turkish lahmacun • Taiwanese lu rou fan (Pork belly rice) • Chicken paprikash • Pork schnitzel • Mushroom pide • Vindaloo • Grilled sausages
| Fruitiness: |  |
Fruit driven |
| Oakiness: |  |
Only in the background |
| Intensity: |  |
Light bodied |
| Acidity: | |
Lively |
| Tannins: | |
Lightly extracted |
