When seeking something unique for your summer gatherings, consider venturing into Central and Eastern European (CEE) wines. These wines promise interesting stories and delightful flavors, making them perfect conversation starters.
Each June, London hosts The Ultimate Central and Eastern Europe wine fair, showcasing wines from Armenia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Hungary, and more. This event marks a growth in interest surrounding the diverse wine styles from these less-recognized regions. Experts like Beth Willard, a co-chair of the Decanter World Wine Awards, emphasize that these are traditional wine-producing regions that have seen a renaissance over the past few decades, revealing a quality of wines previously underestimated.
Caroline Gilby MW, an organizer of the CEE fair, highlights the personal stories behind these wines. Many family-owned vineyards are reviving historical practices, creating bottles that reflect local culture and heritage. This personal touch adds a layer of excitement to the wine experience.
Wine enthusiasts can explore wines made from both international and local grape varieties. For example, try the Moldovan pink spumant from Dom Davidescu, crafted from the Rară Neagră grape, or the Serbian Trijumf Noir Brut, which showcases a unique Blanc de Noirs style. Croatian island Vis offers intriguing red wines made from the Plavac Mali variety, while a Hungarian late harvest blend of Furmint and Muscat pairs beautifully with desserts like Tarte Tatin.
Beyond being excellent conversation starters, CEE wines offer remarkable value. As Zsuzsa Toronyi notes, these wines deliver a unique combination of quality, authenticity, and the thrill of discovery, often at prices much lower than those from well-known regions. With increasing recognition at events like the Decanter World Wine Awards, these hidden gems are becoming more visible in the UK market.
Here are some tips for exploring CEE wines:
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Embrace Unusual Grapes: Don’t shy away from varieties that might be challenging to pronounce. The hunt for unique local wines is part of the fun. For example, discover Poland’s excellent Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs.
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Explore Personal Stories: Connect with producers and consider visiting vineyards to learn more about their heritage and pairing their wines with local cuisine.
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Taste Before You Commit: Sample wines by the glass at local wine bars to test various styles, especially those from older vines or low-intervention methods.
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Find Your Preferred Styles: Look for regions that produce wines that match your taste preferences, like Slovenia for fresh whites or Dalmatia for jammy reds.
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Engage and Enjoy: Asking questions and trying a wide variety of wines can lead to wonderful discoveries at accessible price points.
Ready to embark on your CEE wine adventure? Here are five recommendations to get started:
- Dveri-Pax, DP Brut, Štajerska, Slovenia: A traditional-method sparkling wine combining Chardonnay and Pinot Noir with delightful freshness.
- Kozlović, Santa Lucia Malvazija, Istria, Croatia: A lovely Malvazija Istarska with honeyed notes and excellent aging potential.
- Kamil Barczentewicz, Pinot Blanc Béton, Lubelskie, Poland: A low-intervention Pinot Blanc showcasing bright acidity.
- Aya Estate Vineyards, Early Melnik, Thracian Lowland, Bulgaria: A light red akin to Nebbiolo, with appealing sour cherry flavors.
- Dobogó, Mylitta Tokaji Noble Late Harvest, Tokaj, Hungary: A well-balanced sweet wine that pairs perfectly with summer desserts.
Dive into the rich tapestry of stories and flavors from Central and Eastern Europe this summer!