Kolónia Birtok / Kolónia 52

Kolónia Birtok is a boutique estate focused on "Controlled Chaos"—a philosophy that embraces the unpredictability of nature through rigorous, low-intervention viticulture. Located in Raposka, on the western flank of the Szent György-hegy (St. George Hill), the estate is a primary example of the new-wave Balaton style: high-energy, volcanic wines made with zero additives.

Terroir & Pedology

The estate manages approximately 3 hectares of organic vineyards (transitioning to biodynamic certification) situated on the slopes of an ancient "witness hill."

• Geological Composition: The bedrock is volcanic basalt, a result of Pannonian sea sediment being capped by volcanic activity 3–4 million years ago.

• Soil Matrix: The upper layers consist of weathered basalt tuff and debris mixed with limestone, sand, and clay. In specific sites like the Raposka and Kisapáti vineyards, the basalt provides a distinctive "saline" and metallic mineral tension to the fruit.

• Microclimate: The proximity to Lake Balaton creates a tempering effect, while the dark basalt soil absorbs heat during the day and radiates it back to the vines at night, aiding in even phenolic ripening.

Viticulture & Varieties

Cultivation is strictly manual, prioritizing vine health and biodiversity.

• White Varieties: Focused on Furmint, Olaszrizling (Welschriesling), Chardonnay, and Kéknyelű.

• Red Varieties: Significant focus on Pinot Noir and Kékfrankos, often harvested in multiple passes to capture a spectrum of acidity and ripeness.

• Vine Age: Includes old bush vines and restored heritage plots that were salvaged by the winemakers.

Enological Parameters

The cellar work is defined by a "zero-zero" approach (zero additives, zero filtration).

• Vinification: 100% spontaneous fermentation using native yeasts. All movements are handled by gravity to avoid the mechanical shearing of proteins and tannins associated with pumps.

• Vessels: Aging occurs in neutral oak barrels (sourced from Champagne and Austria) and amphorae, allowing for micro-oxygenation without the introduction of new wood aromatics.

• Minimal Intervention: No sulfur is added at any stage of the process. The wines are bottled unfined and unfiltered, preserving the natural polysaccharides and "living" texture of the wine.

Estate Details

• Winemakers: Annamária Török & Attila Francisti.

• Locations: Raposka / Szent György-hegy, Balaton Highlands.

• Key Labels: Optimum Acidum, Controlled Chaos, Bleu de Hongrie, and Plazma.

• Artisanal Touch: Every bottle is manually labeled and stamped, reflecting the estate's belief that "every bottle must pass through the hands, just as every grape did."