Somewhere in my list of all time top wineries in the world is Demetervin, in Mád, Hungary. The premises where you consume the wine is as gorgeous as the wine itself. They make several kinds of wine, all white, from sweeter to dry, and also Champagne (sorry...."sparkling wine"). They range from $6 (the Délceg, which is actually a fabulous wine, what I call a "weekday wine", but still very reliable) to $150 (the prized Aszu, the nectar of the gods, the sweet wine, what Americans call "dessert wine").
The varietals in the northeastern Hungarian region are mostly Furmint and Hárslevelü. There is also some Muscat but that is used more for blending, rather than making its own varietal.
The chateau setting definitely contributes to the enjoyment. If you are lucky enough you can even see the stockroom, in the cave cellar down below. these bottles are ready for labeling.
The vineyard is scattered. Some are close to the chateau, and you can walk it, and some others are on other hills farther away. Part of the tasting experience is always to walk the vineyard though....you must not skip this. It bring fulls circle the growth, and care of the grapes, to the wine in your glass. Appreciation occurs.
Mád is a tiny town of just a few thousand people, if that. The news is still broadcast over the loudspeaker in the morning for the town to hear. There is 1 traffic light in town, and even that is not really needed.
In my opinion the best wine that Demetervin makes is Urágya 57. It is very dry, complex, and easy to drink. At about $35 a bottle, it is super reasonable.
