In the undulating vineyards of Hungary’s Szekszárd region, János Márkvárt Jr. carries forward a family tradition rooted in the land. Working organically and minimally, Márkvárt blends ancient native varieties with international grapes, striving to reveal the region’s character rather than follow fashion. The 2019 Bikavér (Bull’s Blood) is built on a foundation of Kékfrankos, supplemented by Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot and Kadarka. Vines are head-trained, hand-harvested, and fermented separately by variety, then blended and matured to allow both fruit and terroir to shine.
In the glass, vibrant garnet gives way to aromas of ripe black cherry, bramble berry, dark cocoa and a hint of herbaceous mint. The palate is generous yet refined, blackberry coulis, plums, soft spice and gentle tobacco lead into smooth tannins and a well-balanced finish with underlying salty minerality.
Ideal with grilled beef, game dishes, aged smoked cheeses or even a hearty mushroom-based pasta.