After the 2020 and then the 2019 vintages, we now continue with 2022. With this wine, we’ve come to expect that it doesn’t follow a linear timeline – the vintages don’t appear in sequence, but rather each one is released when its time has come. The ‘M’, as in Márkvárt, is the pillar of János’s range – a selection of the best barrels and a calling card from the winemaker. The separately fermented varieties were blended six months after harvest, followed by one year of ageing in large oak barrels. While of the estate’s two blends ‘Jani’ represents the unfiltered version – the raw power – this wine is much more about careful winemaking refinement, selection, finesse, maturation and rounded edges.

“You’ll be blown away by it. When it was a good year in my childhood, Bikavérs were like this – especially with that sour cherry character. This is the real Szekszárd for me,” says the winemaker.

No single variety really stands out, the flavours are so seamlessly integrated. Dense, pure and cherry-driven, with pronounced tannins. Made from organically-cultivated grapes from the Baranya-völgy and Faluhely vineyards.

Comprised of 45% Kékfrankos, 5% Kadarka, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, and finally 7% Syrah.

It brings together the depth of the 2019 vintage and the sweeter-toned, more Mediterranean character of 2020. Just right.