Peter Wetzer Sopron Kekfrankos 2023

Peter Wetzer is a fifth generation winemaker based in Sopron, in northwestern Hungary near the Austrian border. He established his own winery in 2007, acquiring small vineyard parcels with old vines and a focus on preserving the region’s traditional grape varieties. His family’s historic cellar dates back more than 120 years, and his approach emphasizes small parcel viticulture and minimal intervention winemaking. Today, Peter is particularly known for his work with kékfrankos, the Hungarian name for blaufränkisch, producing wines that reflect the distinctive soils and cool climate of the Sopron region.

Peter farms organically, maintaining natural ground cover and encouraging biodiversity rather than relying on chemical fertilizers or herbicides. Vineyard treatments are minimal, generally involving small applications of copper, sulfur and homemade nettle preparations. His kékfrankos vineyards occupy several sites around Sopron, with vines typically over 30 years old growing on varied soils including schist, limestone, clay and loess. All vineyard work is carried out by hand, with individual parcels harvested and fermented separately. In the cellar, he favors indigenous yeasts, minimal sulfur additions and traditional winemaking methods.

The 2023 Sopron Kékfrankos is made entirely from kékfrankos, sourced from several organically farmed vineyard parcels around Sopron. The grapes are hand harvested, carefully selected and fermented with indigenous yeasts in open vats, with approximately three weeks of skin contact and gentle manual punchdowns. Following fermentation, the wine undergoes élevage on its lees in previously used Hungarian oak barrels, without stirring. These neutral barrels contribute texture and complexity without introducing pronounced wood flavors. The wine is bottled unfined and unfiltered, with a minimal addition of sulfur. The finished wine retains the bright acidity characteristic of the grape and region.

The wine opens with aromas of sour cherry, raspberry and wild strawberry, accompanied by notes of violets, black pepper and earthy spice. On the palate, vibrant red fruit is balanced by refreshing acidity, fine tannins and a subtle savory character. Medium bodied and lively, it finishes with lingering notes of tart berries, dried herbs and gentle spice.