“We were absolutely delighted that our 2012 vintage Úrágya Furmint was sold at the Wine Auction last year. Not only that, it was can be tasted in an outstanding venue: the Onyx Restaurant (Michelin-star) decided that our wine deserved a place on its wine list. Many more serious restaurants could participate in the Auction, as unique flavours demand unique wines to accompany them. I have a fair amount of foreign experience in this area, and in most places I’ve seen that quality restaurants stock wines that have been selected and bottled especially for them. This is common practice from Burgenland to the Basque country.
Under László Ruprecht, the “Stylish Provincial Restaurants” (Stílusos Vidéki Éttermiség) is an extremely passionate group in Hungary of the best in the catering business. Chefs that do take the revival of Hungarian cuisine with the very best raw ingredients, processes and, naturally, wines seriously. Similarly qualified professionals should have more opportunities to enable them to compose dishes with truly unique flavours – and this is obviously impossible without wines.
Perhaps the greatest achievements in cuisine could be assisted if, for example, smaller lots were to be released at the auction. Although several businesses and groups of friends have joined forces to buy lots, in my opinion, we should create an even greater space for this.
Despite the initial difficulties, I feel that a wine region like Tokaj needs such an auction as we have lost a good few decades. Construction cannot be halted. About our 2013 dry Furmint, all I can say is, ‘It’s absolutely lovely!'”
Recorded by: Mg
