Description
Bikavér (“Bull’s Blood”) is living a revival, with St. Andrea being one of the wineries leading this comeback. Owner / winemaker, Dr. György Lőrincz, and his son, György Lőrincz Jr., produce a range of Bikavérs, including this Áldás Superior. Bikavér is always a blend of at least four red varieties, and this one has seven. Kékfrankos (the region’s superstar) is the backbone, spiced up with Kadarka and Pinot Noir. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Syrah add richness and complexity. This wine was aged in 300 liter and 2,500 liter used Hungarian oak barrels for 18 months. It has a magnificent balance, showing the ability of a great winemaker, even during a warm year like 2018. Wines like this make it clear why Dr. Lőrincz has won all of Hungary’s winemaking awards, including “winemaker of the year” and “winemakers’ winemaker”. This wine has a deep purple color, with intense aromas of cherry preserves, sour cherries, violets, bay leaves, and sweet spices. There are flavors of ripe blackberries, black cherries, cocoa powder, and dark chocolate. The moderate tannins and juicy acidity make this an easy-to-drink wine (14.5 percent alcohol). It will evolve in your glass beautifully, showing increasing leathery, oaky aromas with time. Áldás (which means blessing in Hungarian) shows what a Bikavér should, and can, be. Enjoy it next to tomato-based dishes and pastas, duck, and stews.
