This is a rather unusual wine – unusual because of its provenance, the grapes it is made from, and the style of the wine itself.

First, the country. This wine is from Hungary. This shouldn’t be a surprising source for regular wines, and many of you will know that Hungary makes some of the world’s most unusual and amazing sweet wine – Tokaj. We just don’t think about it as much for still wines.

Then there’s the grape – Cserszegi Fuszeres, apparently a unique crossing of Irsai Oliver (another grape I’d never heard of) and Gewurtzraminer (a friend, but your everyday wine either).

Finally, the effect. The taste reminds me of a fruity combination of pineapple and grapefruit and a lighter rose water hint that reminds me personally of Edinburgh Rock (the flavoured sugar candy). It’s crisp, fruity and refreshing and works well for a slightly unusual aperitif.

This wine was part of a mixed case from The Wine Society called “Off the Beaten Track” which I recommend to wine lovers looking to try something new and challenging (all but one I have tried so far have been lovely – the other bottle just a bit disappointing)**.

This particular wine, the Hilltop Estates Cserszegi Fuszeres 2011 is a pretty amazing £5.25 a bottle at the moment.

 

** sadly it seems the mixed case has sold out, but there may be more similar ones soon. You can still buy this wine and others individually