The Kristinus Estate is one of the leading estates in Balatonboglár.
🗺 Balatonboglár, Hungary
Situated close to the southern shores of Lake Balaton in the North West of Hungary, the distinctly modern Kristinus Estate is flying the flag for clean, fruit driven Hungarian wines at a decent price. The Kristinus Wine Estate belongs to the Balatonboglár Wine Region, which comprises 37 settlements on the southern shore. This 3200-hectare area boasts excellent white and red wines. The white wines include Chardonnay, Irsai Olivér, Királyleányka, Yellow Muscat, Welschriesling, Rhine Riesling, Pinot Gris and Furmint, whereas the red wines include Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Blaufränkisch and Cabernet Franc. Currently the company farms 55 hectares in the village of Kéthely, where the area's typical clay soils have been hosting vineyards for hundreds of years. The majority of white wines are fermented in stainless steel, or more recently amphora vessels. The premium wines see some time in a combination of French, Hungarian and American oak. The winery also features all the key trappings of hospitality. The ten room Vinotel opened in 2016, "making adventures into the world of Kristinus more comfortable" while a contemporary restaurant seeks to highlight the flavours of the Balaton at Kéthely. Yet although food is prepared using locally-grown, seasonal ingredients, the open plan bistrot places the emphasis firmly on the wines, designing the menu around the winery's portfolio of products. The company's literature states proudly "we recommend dishes to go with our wines, not the other way around". A cinema and a variety of conference suites round off the proposition.