We are very excited to be expanding the range of wines we import from the Tornai winery, in Somló-Balaton. After tasting the rest of the range on offer at ProWein 2015 we are convinced that the 432 meter high Somló hill in western Hungary produces some of the best white wines in Europe.

The volcanic origin of the soil, the diurnal temperature changes and the selection of indigenous grape varieties combine to produce wines of profound character that represent outstanding value. Tornai Pincészet is by far the biggest player in this tiny area; they grow 54 hectares out of a total of 500 for the entire appellation and they are expertly exploiting the virtues of their terroir, a unique combination of volcanic rocks and cinder enriched earth which accounts for the Somló’s characteristic, minerally tasting wines.

The grapes planted at Tornai are a mix of native and international varieties: 54 hectares dislocated over the best areas of the Somló (the Ilona, Grófi, Apatsagi and Arany hills.) Traditional and native varieties include Furmint, Juhfark (“sheep’s tail”), Welchsriesling, Harslevelű, Korona, Zeusz (a cross between Ezerjò and Bouvier), Zenit, Csomorika and Sarfeher, while international cultivars are well represented by Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Gewürztraminer and Sauvignon Blanc.