WASSMANN PINCE

Ralf Wassmann and Susann Hanauer spontaneously bought a small old-fashioned winemaking property with grapes and peach trees in the southernmost region of Villány in 1998. Within two weeks of their first visit to Hungary, they packed up and moved from Germany (where Ralf was a winemaker) to Pécsdevecser, a once-Swabian settlement with German roots. They came to natural winemaking quite instinctively, wishing to make delicious, well-balanced wines with minimal intervention that respected the land on which they lived and worked. They were the first winery in Hungary to certify organic (2003) and the second to certify biodynamic (2011).

Their vineyards lie on the southern slopes of Siklós, about 15 km north of the village of Villány. As pioneers of organic viticulture, they were the first to implement this hands-off approach in the region in 2003. Experiencing the benefits of chemical-free winemaking, they decided to convert the whole estate to biodynamic winemaking in a few years later.

There is no technology in the winery, except for an old press and a small de-stemmer. Susann and Ralf ferment and age their wine in steel tanks or in old oak casks.

Vineyard Size: 2 Hectares

Grapes: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Olaszrizling, Kékfrankos, Portugieser, Merlot

Terroir: Loess rich in limestone and magnesium