Bussay Csokaszolo, Csornyefold, Hungary

Dusky fruit, spice, and the whisper of volcanic soil come together in the 2022 Bussay Csókaszőlő, a vivid revival of one of Hungary’s oldest native grapes. From the western hills of Zala, where the Bussay family has nurtured vines since 1989, this wine speaks of both heritage and renewal. Deeply hued and elegantly structured, it channels the ancient Csóka bird’s dark feathers and the region’s mineral heartbeat, offering a taste that is as soulful as it is distinctive.

Product Details:

• Winemaker: Dorottya Bussay
• Founder: Dr. László Bussay
• Variety: 100% Csókaszőlő (ancient native Hungarian variety)
• Vineyard: Kövecs-hegy, Csörnyeföld
• Soil: Pannonian and Mura River sediment, clay, loess, sand, chalk, and gravel
• Vine Age: Planted 2007–2009
• Farming: Certified organic (since 2018); vegan and unfined
• Harvest: September 13, 2022; manual picking with rigorous sorting
• Fermentation: Native yeasts; spontaneous fermentation in open vats; 14 days on skins; daily punch-down
• Aging: 7 months on lees in used Hungarian oak (200-, 500-, and 1000-L barrels)
• Alcohol: 13.06%
• Acidity: 6.6 g/L
• pH: 3.29
• Sulfur: Minimal (0/24 mg/L)
• Residual Sugar: 1 g/L

Sensory Description:

Aromas of wild cranberries, tart cherries, and currants rise from the glass, layered with hints of tobacco leaf, sage, and crushed stone. On the palate, flavors of spiced cherry lozenge, dark chocolate, and smoky minerals weave through fine, dusty tannins and bright acidity. Medium-bodied and vivid, it finishes with lingering notes of sour cherry and wet earth, leaving a graceful, balanced impression.

Winemaker's Background:

Bussay Winery was founded in 1989 by Dr. László Bussay, a visionary who revived winemaking in Western Hungary’s Zala region after decades of decline under Communist rule. His dream was to restore Zala’s viticultural heritage and reveal its potential for both red and white wines. Today, his daughter Dorottya leads the estate, carrying forward his legacy through organic farming, native fermentation, and minimalist winemaking. Under her guidance, Bussay has become one of Hungary’s most admired small producers, with wines like Csókaszőlő earning national acclaim and international recognition.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve slightly cool at 16–17°C after a brief decant to allow the wine’s complexity to unfold. Ideal with roast duck, grilled pork tenderloin, or herbed lamb, as well as lentil stew, mushroom risotto, or aged cheeses. Its lively acidity and earthy finish also make it a perfect match for paprika-spiced Hungarian dishes.

The 2022 Bussay Csókaszőlő stands as a living testament to Hungary’s winemaking heritage, vibrant, aromatic, and deeply authentic. Each sip honors a rare grape brought back to life by a new generation, expressing the pulse of Zala with clarity, confidence, and grace.