Celebrating the XIII. harvest of grapes a 3 days festival was held at Kiskőrös together with the Slovakian Days. Was fine time to get together and exchange the mutual commons and have a taste at the Kiskőrös – “Lowland” – plain area wines in Hungary. The invitation was upon by the Szentpéteri and the Vass winery.
The wine region of this territory is called the Danube lowland or the plain wine region. This region holds 109.760 hectares, namely the „Kunság wines”. The wine culture here goes back in time recorded of the wines of the „Golden Sand”. Also the records says the vineyard were already popular known during the Roman emperor in the III. century. Mostly known from this area are the wines named: „Kövidinka” – “Ezerjó” – “Gold Sárfehér” (Gold muddy white)” and the “Kadarka”.
Upon arrival a short presentation was held at the Wine house of Attila Szentpéter and Mária Pivárcsi Ms. Vass who both talked about their wine house. Then after the invitation to a fine local lunch was introduced and tasted the wines that goes perfectly well to the dishes.
Attila Szentpéteri, originally an agricultural engineer, became slowly in love with the thought of having a winery. His winery is at the „Old grapes wine cellar carved into the sandy hill”. His number one wine the „Nero” – specially made as a rosé was promoted at national and international competitions. As he added, to have quality wine you need quality grapes. and here at Kiskőrös the unique circumstances bring special wines. Even though this area has been for ages producing wines said Attila Szentpéteri, they are still looking for to find their unique connection expressing their wines the „face of the region” … just like other wine regions have connected their wines to their area, culture or past history events.
Mária Pivárcsi Ms. Vass, the owners and producer of the Vass winery said, it is a family run business since 1998. Their wines are made from their own harvest grapes and some grapes brought from the surrounding area. The wine cellar provides 3500 hl. The storage space, handling and storage of wines takes place in 25 to 100 hl steel tanks. She added being happy to say the Vass winery’s wines has been in row standing for the 5th year as the city’s white wine produced by her winery.
Even though this area has been for ages producing wines said Attila Szentpéteri, they are still looking for to find their unique connection expressing their wines the „face of the region” … just like other wine regions have connected their wines to their area, culture or past history events.
During the three days programs, beside tasting at the booth the rich in flavor wines, were also rich in urban traditional culture events and food. High number of audience visited the traditional folklore programs. Even a large number of Finnish tourists were waving their national flags to show the locals their present, enjoying their stay and awaiting to see on the main stage the local folklore singers and dancers. There were the series of viticulture lectures whereas the „Kiskőrösi Gondűző Wine Knight Order”, invited guests and professional wine makers were present. The presentations where mainly about the Danube and Tisza area grape cultivation history. The wine makers of Kiskőrös back-and-forth were changing experiences on speaking of ideas how to stop, prevent the grapes attacked by phyiloxera that mainly destroys, hits the „Bianca” grapes while making Bianca wines.
As the end of the lectures came the wine knights parade started. More than a dozen wine knights were present and as they rolled on the main street of Kiskőrös the people welcomed them with cheers. Reaching the main stage awards were handed over for the-best-of-the best wine makers.
Just an extra thought … many things goes through the mind when it come to Kiskőrös, for example … Hungary’s great poet „Sándor Petőfi’’ hometown, several museums, monuments and city events.
Mentioning also widely known in Europe, that Kiskőrös is the land of famous thermal spa. Not just the locals, but a couple of foreigner countries citizens who have already relaxed and recharge themselves come back to enjoy nature’s gift. Also at this area, a large number of Slovakian individuals live and they are keeping their national traditional within programs and delicious home-made kitchen.
Smaller and large wineries welcome their visitors for wine tasting, giving by professional and knowledgeable service. So it is worthy to visit this area in having a wine tour and enjoying the sights as well.
The citizens of Kiskőrös have become more-and-more to know their lowland wine makers. Not yet, a high number, but hopefully from around the nation and foreigners will get to know more about the Kiskőrös wines as being on wine map of Hungary.
Update and snaps by Aggie Reiter
Rolling in Budapest 