Törley Estate Cuvée Bálo 2023

Törley Estate Cuvée Bálo is one of our favorite types of white wines: A well-balanced blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier and Pinot Blanc (or Fehér Burgundi, as it’s known in Hungary), it punches well above its price point, offering floral and citrus tones that are pillow soft on the palate, but with just 11.5% alcohol by volume.

It comes courtesy of Törley Estate, one of Hungary’s most prominent wine producers. Founded way back in 1882, they’ve been leaders in the field—or rather, in the vineyard—from early on, known for supplying wine to the imperial and royal court and for persisting through years of war and soviet occupation. (At one point, they had just four people keeping the operation alive!)

Because of its wide appeal, this wine is named for Zoltan Baló, who was instrumental in spreading the company’s wines across borders. Though the blend of white grapes used to make it has differed through the years, the latest vintage is just as delicious as ever. Sauvignon Blanc’s citrus and peach flavors are countered nicely by Viognier’s floral characteristics. The small percentage of Pinot Blanc, meanwhile, adds some minerality and smooths everything out across a lovely long finish.

Mouthwatering on its own, it shines with food, too. Try it with soft cheeses such as goat cheese and Camembert, or zesty chicken and fish dishes, like Hungary’s chicken paprikash or Harcsapaprikas (fish paprikash).