Bussay Roots, Riesling-Tramini, Zala, Hungary, 2023

Dr. László Bussay founded the Bussay Winery in the village of Csörnyeföld in Western Hungary in 1989. The Zala region, once famous for its wines, had no notable wineries left in 1989, and the Bussay family was eager to see the potential of both white and red varieties on their estate after the fall of Communism. Today the winery is 5.5 hectares, and László’s daughter Dorottya is the head winemaker. They certified organic in 2018.

"Roots" is a skin contact Tramini / Riesling blend from Zala. The Tramini vines are 40 years old, and were planted by Dori’s grandfather who appears on the label with the original grapes.  Flavors like dried apricot, juicy peach, rose, passion fruit and herbs dominate on the nose and palate. Long, deep finish. The wine spent 5 weeks on the skins, and fermentation was spontaneous in 1200 L open vats. The wine remained on the lees for 7 months without racking. Unfiltered and unfined, with no sulfur added. Certified organic.