2021 Moric Hidden Treasures No.3 – ‘Balaton’

Hidden Treasures No.3 is a collaboration with Hungarian winemaker Philipp Oser of Villa Tolnay. It comprises of 50% Furmint and 50% Riesling grown on the volcanic hills around Lake Balaton, which feature basalt at the top of the slope and limestone lower down. The Furmint could be considered as the “Pannonian equivalent to Riesling”, and the two wines elegantly interwine together.

This is a wine that one one hand shows interesting and high-toned aromatics, but develops a completely independent characteristic over time. On the nose it’s very appealing – crystal clear and fragrant. There are floral notes with pure white and yellow stone fruits, plus a faint herbal hint in the background. In the mouth it has intense fruit with beautifully balanced acidity and a great attack of minterality. Precise and elegant, it also has even darker, salty aroms and very good length. It’s vibrant and seductive with a very clear and distint message of the place where it’s grown. Bottled in June 2023. Alc. 13%.   – Roland Velich, Moric

Seldom have these two grape varieties from contrasting wine cultures been so beautifully interwoven. Wonderful peachy nose with plenty of fresh orange-zest and orange-blossom aromas. Ripe and generous on the medium- to full-bodied palate, with a wonderful, silky texture through the lingering, salty finish. A joint venture of Moric and Villa Tolnay. Drink or hold. 94 points. Stuart Pigott, JamesSuckling.com Sep 2023