Tomcsányi Family Winery (Tomcsányi Családi Birtok)

Location: Somló Hill, Hungary

Established: 2012

Philosophy: Low-intervention, organic viticulture with a focus on volcanic terroir expression.

Terroir & Site Characteristics

The estate is situated on the extinct volcanic cone of Somló, Hungary’s smallest and most distinct wine region. The technical profile of their holdings includes:

• Soil Composition: Primarily basalt crumble, weathered basalt lava, and loess with a high mineral concentration (magnesium, potassium, and calcium).

• Microclimate: Characterized by high solar radiation reflected off the basalt stones and protected slopes that mitigate extreme frost.

• Acreage: Small-scale, artisanal plots totaling approximately 3 hectares, allowing for meticulous hand-management of every vine.

Viticulture & Varietals

The Tomcsányi family prioritizes indigenous Carpathian Basin varieties that best translate the "salty" minerality of the basalt soil.

• Key Cultivars: Furmint, Juhfark, Olaszrizling (Welschriesling), and Hárslevelű.

• Farming Practices: Certified organic (transitional/active). No synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or systemic chemicals are used.

• Yield Management: Strict pruning and green harvesting to ensure high extract content and physiological ripeness.

Oenological Profile (Cellar Tech)

The winemaking approach is defined by minimalist intervention to preserve the purity of the Somló character.

• Fermentation: Spontaneous fermentation using indigenous yeasts found in the vineyard and cellar.

• Vessels: A combination of traditional large Hungarian oak barrels (for micro-oxygenation and structure) and stainless steel (to preserve primary fruit and acidity).

• Aging: Extended lees aging (sur lie) is a hallmark of their style, adding texture and oxidative stability without the use of heavy additives.

• Sulfur Levels: Minimal sulfur additions, typically only at bottling, keeping the wines vibrant and "living."

Style & Sensory Identity

Tomcsányi wines are technically characterized by high titratable acidity, profound salinity, and a "smoky" volcanic backbone. While traditional Somló wines were often heavy and oxidative, the Tomcsányi style leans toward precision, elegance, and drinkability while maintaining the legendary aging potential of the region.