Hummel Pincészet (Villány)

Hummel Pincészet, founded in 1998 by Horst Hummel, represents the avant-garde of the Villány wine region. The estate is defined by a transition from traditional organic farming to deep biodynamic practices, producing "unadulterated" wines that prioritize phenolic tension and geological expression over high-extract, oak-driven styles.

Geological & Pedological Foundation

The estate manages 7.5 hectares of vineyards, primarily in the Jammerthal, Várerdő, and Verebes-rét dűlős (crus).

• Soil Composition: The profile is dominated by a 25-meter thick loess layer sitting atop Pannonian sea sediments and Triassic limestone.

• Mineral Profile: High magnesium and limestone content. Technically, the magnesium is a key driver for the "animating bitterness" and savory salinity often found in Hummel’s finishes.

• Drainage: The porous loess provides efficient water management, preventing hydraulic stress while maintaining the high pH levels essential for the region's characteristic red wine structure.

Microclimate & Viticulture

Villány is Hungary’s most southerly region, featuring a sub-Mediterranean climate.

• Heat Summation: High thermal indices allow for reliable ripening of late-cycle varieties like Cabernet Franc and Merlot.

• Farming Philosophy: Certified organic since 2009 (Hungária Öko Garancia). Since 2016, the estate has integrated biodynamic preparations and homeopathic sulfur (C41) to treat vines.

• Yield Control: Pruning is strictly limited to ensure concentrated must weights without relying on artificial fertilization.

Enological Parameters & Vinification

The cellar philosophy is defined as "doing nothing at the right time."

• Fermentation: 100% spontaneous fermentation using indigenous yeasts in open-top vats.

• Maceration: Extended post-fermentation skin contact (typically 2 to 4 weeks) to achieve stable tannin polymerization without aggressive extraction.

• Sulfur Regime: Historically low-sulfur; since 2018, the estate has moved toward zero-added sulfur (Sans Soufre) for several cuvées.

• Elevage: Aging occurs in used oak barrels of various sizes to avoid masking varietal thiols and esters with wood-derived vanillins. Wines are bottled unfined and unfiltered.

Contact & Location Details

• Address: Batthyány utca 4, H-7773 Villány, Hungary.

• Winemaker: Horst Hummel (Berlin/Villány).

• Proprietor Contact: +36 20 416 7154 | hh@weingut-hummel.com

• Website: weingut-hummel.com

• Varietal Focus: Kékfrankos (Blaufränkisch), Portugieser, Cabernet Franc, and rare cool-site Hárslevelű and Furmint.