It is true that all wine regions wish to have extensive wine archive. Not so much because of the market, because consumers nowadays prevailingly drink young wines. It is all about the region's reputation, the awareness that the region can produce ageworthy wines that could preserve its quality for decades.

At the Franc & Franc 2019 conference, the most exciting moment was the tasting of aged Cabernet Franc wines from Villány. Particularly owing to the opportunity to taste wines that were no longer available for sale, with only a few bottles stored in the winery cellar. Generally, wine guides and wine books suggest that Cabernet Franc wines can be aged between 5 and 10 years. The excitement grew at the conference since we had a chance to taste Cabernet Franc wines from Villány aged for more than 20 years. The tasting was led by András Horkay from Budapest.

Cabernet Franc 2008 - Vylyan Szőlőbirtok és Pincészet

The grapes for this wine originate from Mandolás vineyard plot. Fermentation on the skins for about 24 days. Malolactic fermentation and ageing in Hungarian oak barriques (30% new, 30% first fill, 40% second fill). Ageing in oak for 17 months.

Although 2008 was a challenging year in Villány vineyards, it was also a turning point for Vylyan Winery as it won the title of "Winery of the Year" in Hungary at the time. In the glass, the wine shows warm brick-red color. The nose is soft, noble, velvety, lush, aromas of forest floor, licorice, leather, black olives, dried fruits, jammy notes. On the palate, notes of dark cherry, plum, sun-dried tomato... Obviously, the wine is developing extraordinarily. Nothing bothersome, the wine shows excellent condition.

Cabernet Franc Barrique - Családi válogatás 2007 - Polgár Pinceszet

Despite considerable age, this wine still retains its dominant fruitiness. Black forest fruit, blackberries, dried fruits, mint, spice hints, mushrooms ... The wine shows character reminiscent of the great reds from the Mediterranean. Warm, jammy, with grainy tannins ... Generally, it is difficult to find such specimens of aged wines from Villány nowadays as they quickly sell out due to their popularity in the local market.

Cabernet Franc Selection 2006 - Weninger & Gere Pincészet

Wine from a warm vintage, as evidenced by 14.5% alcohol. The nose shows aromas of black olives, sun-dried tomatoes, ketchup, spices, coconut, black forest fruit. Warm, soft, rounded mouthfeel. Silky tannins, jammy flavors, dried apricot, dried plum, leather, tobacco. Medium-to-full body.

Chateau Teleki Villány - Villányi Cabernet Franc 2002 - Csanyi Pincészet

Grapes for this wine originate from Hársos vineyard plot. The year 2002 was also remarkable, with long warm summer and autumn with no precipitation. The wine aged for 16 months in oak. The nose shows beautiful spicy notes, tobacco, leather, blackberry jam and blueberries. Acidity still vivid, refreshing, lush ripe tannins. Developed vertical structure. Preserved fruitiness on the palate, raspberry, plum, sour cherry, jammy mouthfeel.

Cabernet Franc 1999 - Tiffán Ede Pincészet

Still preserved freshness, fine acidity continues to bring vibrancy to the wine. Ripe, developed aromas, black forest berries, raspberries, hints of blackberry, forest floor, leather, tobacco. Elegant soft finish.

Bock Cabernet Franc 1993 - Bock Pince

What a finale of the tasting. Although I do not understand a word of Hungarian, but whispers and murmurs from the audience add to excitement and satisfaction that we have an opportunity to taste this wine. At its prime, preserved acidity, multi-layered and complex wine. Preserved fruitiness, primarily black forest fruit, plum, accompanied with ripe earthy tones, tobacco, mint, licorice.

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