SPIEGELBERG
Nestled within the captivating landscape of Somló lies the Spiegelberg winery, an ode to tradition and a testament to the artistry of winemaking. Founded in 1993 by István Spiegelberg, this esteemed winery has garnered international acclaim for its unwavering commitment to crafting exceptional wines that encapsulate the unique essence of the region.
István Spiegelberg’s story is one woven with passion and a profound connection to the land. Descending from German-Hungarian heritage, István embarked on a transformative journey in 2007, relocating to Somló, a terroir renowned for its distinctive volcanic soil and pockets of vines that yield remarkable white grape varieties.
His dedication to preserving tradition is evident in every bottle produced at Spiegelberg. With an exclusive focus on self-cultivated, traditional grape varieties like Hárslevelű, Jufark, and Furmint, István meticulously tends to his two hectares of vineyards, handpicking grapes that undergo a transformative aging process within Hungarian oak barrels.
Yet, it’s not merely the meticulous winemaking process that sets Spiegelberg wines apart; it’s the harmony between tradition and innovation. István’s reverence for the land and its terroir is profound. Embracing ancient practices while infusing his unique approach, he harnesses the power of Gregorian chants in one of his cellars, believing it imparts a special quality to the wines aging in oak barrels.
Guided by the teachings of Somló legend Béla Fekete, István’s winemaking philosophy deviates from the norm, emphasizing the strength of terroir over the dominance of grape variety. He believes in allowing time to work its magic, asserting that after several years, the true character of the terroir emerges, transcending the individual grape varietals.
The result? Superb wines that evolve with time, echoing the land’s essence and showcasing the true spirit of Somló. István Spiegelberg’s wines, a testament to patience and dedication, beckon enthusiasts to savor them slowly, suggesting aeration by opening bottles a day before indulging in their complexity.
Spiegelberg Winery stands as a testament to István Spiegelberg’s unwavering commitment to crafting wines that embody the soul of Somló’s terroir—a journey from vineyard to bottle that captures the essence of tradition, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
- Vineyard size
- 2 hectares
- Varietals :
- Juhfark
- Furmint
- Hárslevelű
- Chardonnay
- Olaszrizling
- Soil and terroir :
- basalt tuff
- Pannonian sand
- loose loess
- brown forest soil
