The history of Feind Pinceszet from Hungary has started in in 1995, when Lajos Feind has put foundation of what would become one of the most known and successful wineries from Balaton Lake area. "Pinceszet" in Hungarian language means "winery", hence we will use both terms in our assessment.
Recent international recognition of Feind wines have increased the Feind brand awareness in particular and non-Tokaj Hungarian wine in general.
JancisRobinson.com, through Tamlyn Currin, has appreciated the Choice, the dessert wine, and Cabernet Franc, whereas its Sauvignon Blanc has won the category at French Le Mondial des Vins Blancs Strasbourg in 2021.
What was the background of Feind Winery? And, what were the successful ingredients for?
Winery history and description
The area where Feind grows the grapes and produce the wines is located near the Balaton Lake, which is one of the main wine-growing regions of Hungary. Feind Winery operates in the Balatonfüred-Csopak PDO wine region, as part of Balaton wine region (or PGI – Protected Geographical Indication). The wine region is known for its unique climate: many sunny days during the year, cooler summers and warmer winters. Wine was produced in the region for more than 2000 years, viticulture being more present on the hills on the northern shore.
The grape varieties are predominantly white, especially in the northern part of the lake. In this wine sub-region, Lajos Feind has acquired 14 hectares of vineyards in 1995, in Balatonfőkajár, Balatonvilágos, Balatonaliga and Balatonfüred, as part of Balatonfüred-Csopak PDO.
Lajos was continuously focused on estate growth and development, the cultivated vineyard, collaboration with other regional winegrowers (~60 ha), with central point on quality wines.
Feind Pinceszet nowadays
Currently, Feind Winery means around 150 hectares of 20 grapes and a production capacity of close to 3 million bottles per year.
In 2019, Lajos has transferred the leadership to his son Zoltán Feind and his executive Istvan Bacskai, with the clear strategic initiative to extend production capabilities. The investment decision was a 2 000 m2 processing plant on the edge of Balatonfőkajár - from processing of the grapes to the pressing and bottling of the wine.
The most important grape varieties the winery work with are Olaszrizling (Welschriesling), Irsai Olivér, Chardonnay, Zenit, Sauvignon Blanc, Cserszegi Fűszeres, Rhein Riesling, Kékfrankos (Blaufränkisch), Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Syrah.
The company sells the wines primarily in Hungary, via various distribution chains, however the retail and Horeca sales are growing too. In the last years, the winery has started to export significant volumes, but still low quantities, around 5-7% of total sales. Main import markets are: Belgium, Poland, Germany, Croatia, Slovakia, France, United Kingdom and the USA, but there are efforts to increase its presence worldwide. Feind Winery plans to increase production capacity up to 3 million bottles this year.
The prospects of 2023 look favorably, although many precipitations, fungal infection, thunder and windstorms were common throughout the year across the country, including in the Balatonfüred - Csopak wine region. But, the grapes quality were good, with a good must sugar content, only some varieties having a slightly lower acidity than usual.
The awards list of Feind Pinceszet is impressive in the last 4-5 years, a gratitude to the Balaton terroir and the winery oenologists mastery - 26 gold medals! I will enumerate few Feind winners though:
- MUNDUS VINI 2023: The Reason 2019, Cabernet Franc 2019, Coupé Extra dry (sparkling wine)
- Berliner Wine Trophy 2023: Aliga 2022, Berekszél Rajnai Rizling 2022
- Asia Wine Trophy 2022: Choice 2018, Coupé Brut, Sauvignon Blanc 2021
- National Hungarian Wine Competition 2022: Zenit 2021 félédes, Sunshine 2021 (Sauvignon Blanc, Olaszrizling and Chardonnay)
Wine tasting
Feind Winery has developed a great wine portfolio with great achievements in every category: sparkling wine, dessert wine and still white, rose, red wine.
- Aliga (2022): Dry white wine, a blend of Zenit, Cserszegi fűszeres, Chardonnay and Olaszrizling; on the nose, aromatic with initial slight sweetness, it develops further - pears, apple and florals; on the palate, light and balanced between acidity and alcohol. Strong and pleasant aftertaste.
- Olasrizling (2022): Dry white wine, a varietal; on the nose, apple, pears and tropical notes; on the palate, refreshing and great balance on alcohol and acidity. Long mineral aftertaste.
- Irsai Oliver (2023): Dry white wine; on the nose, an explosion of flowers and green fruits; on the palate, fresh, intense aromas, medium-to-high acidity, it is perfect on any occasion. Excellent aftertaste.
- Cabernet Rose (2023): Dry rose wine, a blend of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon; on the nose, full floral bouquet, green apple and pear; on the palate, refreshing, complex and intense. Strong aftertaste.
- Choice (2018): Sweet (dessert) white wine from Zeus grapes; on the nose, honey, apricot, peach and tropical fruits; on the palate, very sweet, spicy, elegant and acidic. Excellent strong aftertaste.
- Chardonnay Brut: Sparkling wine produced on "methode traditionelle"; on the nose, floral, yellow apple; on the palate, well-balanced, mineral, medium acidity. Pleasant mineral aftertaste.
Instead of conclusion
Feind Winery has a fulminating history and a fascinating future, great development of sparkling wines (traditional and Charmat), organic wine cultivation, and hospitality business (wine hotel). The young wines bring freshness and agility, the dessert wine offers versatility and complexity, whereas sparkling wines are a joy for any occasion.
The winery can bring you a wine offer for any event from its tremendous wine portfolio, but my humble choices would be Irsai Oliver, Aliga and Cabernet Rose. It is a Hungarian wine brand from Balaton wine region, which has a lot to say. Enjoy it responsibly!