Mészáros Winery: Bikavér Reserve, 2013

Bikavér is a traditional cuvée and the name (literally Bull’s Blood) can be used only in the wine regions of Szekszárd and Eger. The condition of Szekszárdi Bikavér is that it is made of traditional Szekszárd grapes grown here and a blend of at least threes red varieties. In Szekszárd it is obligatory to use minimum 50 % Kadarka and Kékfrankos. Oak barrel aging is also prescribed. This Szekszárdi Bikavér Reserve contains Kadarka, Kékfrankos, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. The average age of the vines is 10 years; they are in the best lands of Szekszárd on loess and red clay. Yield control is set at 1.5 kg per vine and they harvest in 15-kg boxes. Double selection happens during the processing: first the bunch selection, then the grapes are selected. Fermentation for 21 days with skin contact during which time the grapes are gently macerated. The wines were aged for a year in 225-l and 500-l oak barrels, and then the Bikavér was blended and barrel-aged for another year.

Mészáros Winery‘s Bikavér has warm deep purple in colour. Elegant nose with aromas of fruits and aging. Friendly acidity in the mouth with full, long flavours and spiciness, flavourful finish in which the fruits linger long. Great potential for this wine which can be aged for a long time.

Analysis

Acidity: 5 g/l

Sugar: 1 g/l

Alcohol: 13.5 %