Eastern Europe Curiosities Case

A blend of furmint, pinot gris, welschriesling and a small amount of riesling. An accessible white with white blossom, citrus and stony aromas. The palate has vibrant acidity, with hints of red apple on the finish.

From the Czech region of Moravia, bordering Austria, where it shares similar loess and granite soil, this is a fresh and crisp white wine. Thaya winery is situated in the sub region of Znojmo, one hour north of Kamptal in Austria, benefitting from a more marginal climate than its neighbour. Wines from the region maintain great acidity and freshness, as well as relatively low alcohols. Thaya winery has won lots of awards, including their 31-year-old winemaker (Jakub Smroka) winning the Winegrowers Association Winemaker of the year in 2021. The winery's proximity to the Podyjí National Park as well as the River Thaya running through the region helps achieve freshness in the grapes and resulting wine.

From a top estate in Tokaji in Hungary, this furmint comes from the volcanic soils and produces a mineral and crisp white. Plenty of citrus, grapefruit and white pepper spice. The acidity is tangy and refreshing. Pairs perfectly with charcuterie, goats cheese or to be enjoyed on its own. Pajzos at Sarospatak in the heart of the region is owned by Jean-Louis Laborde, the French owner of the acclaimed estate of Château Client in the Bordeaux appellation of Pomerol. He bought the Pajzos estate in 1991 in the wake of the collapse of the post-war communist regime, and has invested in modern equipment and overhauled out-dated techniques to raise quality to wonderful new heights.

Bononia Estate is named after an ancient Roman fortress on the Danube River, but the winery here was established in 2013, in the building of one of the oldest breweries in Bulgaria. This family estate is keen to champion Bulgaria's indigenous varieties and gamza, also known as kadarka, is a concentrated, dark variety that gives juicy wines. Blended with cabernet franc, this is a bright and fruity red that has a delicious, juicy core and lots of spice.

This is a new project in Odesa, Ukraine by talented winemaker Eduard Gorodetsky. There is no winery yet – it's currently in progress – but it is proving understandably logistically challenging during a war. This merlot is a great example of a juicy, accessible red that is bursting with red plum, cherry and cedar spice. The tannins are present yet supple and this is an ideal red to serve with roast beef and tomato-based pasta dishes.

This 100% Portuguieser is bursting with blackcurrantand a hint of spice, all supported by velvety tannins.