Balla Sziklabor Kadarka 2022

A deeper, richer side of Kadarka from Transylvania’s leading winemaker, Géza Balla. The grapes come from low-yielding vineyards on granite and diorite soils, hand-harvested and naturally fermented, then aged for one year in oak barrels and another in bottle.

The result is a round, elegant wine with ripe cherry, dried plum, and a touch of walnut and spice. Full of flavor yet beautifully balanced, it shows how complex Kadarka can be without losing its natural finesse. Only 5,000 bottles made.

About the Balla Géza winery

Géza Balla is an ethnic Hungarian winemaker based in western Romania, near the city of Arad. He’s credited with reviving the historic Miniș wine region, once famous but long overlooked. Today, he farms over 100 hectares of hillside vineyards, where the mix of volcanic rock, mica and granite soils brings a special character to the wines.

He works mostly with red grapes, including the Transylvanian variety Feketeleányka, as well as Kadarka, Kékfrankos and a few international types. His style is all about balance and honesty: low-intervention winemaking, local grapes, and a deep respect for the land and tradition. If you’ve never tried a red from this part of the world, his wines are a great place to start.

Producer information: S.C. Wine Princess S.R.L., 310028 Arad, Hungary, https://www.ballageza.com/