Sebestyen Bikaver

Bull's Blood (Kékfrankos / Merlot / Kadarka / Cabernet Sauvignon / Sagrantino)

Szekszárd, Hungary

Sebestyen is a garage converted to winery in the town of Szekszárd. The winery itself might be small, but the aspirations of Csaba and his sister Csilla, who is instrumental in the direction of the winery, certainly are not. The two have been integral to the implementation of guidelines aimed at increasing not only the quality of the regions prized blend Bikavér, but of the entire Szekszárd region. 

Mastering the intricacies of Szekszardi Bikavér is no easy feat. The region demands the blend be made up of at least 4 grapes of which 18 different varieties are allowed. The blend must contain a minimum of 45% Kékfrankos and 5% Kadarka and no more than 40% of the grapes Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot can be used. Sebestyén’s Bikavér has quickly become a benchmark for the region. Choosing to eschew the use of new oak in order to concentrate on the natural nuances of the grapes helps give the wine an almost Burgundian feel, with pure fruit expressions and wonderful aromatics.