I’ve always been pretty dubious of the whole “winemaker of the year” business in Hungary, on the assumption that it is as much an award for good PR and connections as good wine. And now I’m vindicated! Last Thursday, regional daily Heves Megyei Hírlap broke the news that the country’s wine industry regulators had ordered 2005 “Winemaker of the Year” Béla Vincze to shut down for 30 days, following the discovery that some of his Bull’s Blood had been doctored with added glycerol, apparently to give it a bit more body. While the stuff is apparently not a health threat – it occurs naturally in wine, and is a common food additive – it is still pretty grubby of Vincze to be caught adding it to his bikavér. Also grubby is the likelihood that, unlike athletes caught using banned substances, he’ll be allowed to keep his gold medal.
The guy is a crook! I am a bit saddened to read this article… while perceived overall flavour of wine is not changed by the addition of glycerol it is definitely adding thickness to the beverage, which is an important aspect of a nice Bikaver. Vincze Bela’s wines should be boycotted!
A pity. I think his Egri Bikaver, and his Kekfrankos were the best bikaver and kekfrankos I have tasted. Maybe I just like food additives.
No offense Dan, but looks like you haven’t tried too many bikavérs and kékfrankoses yet.
sheesh,
far too many, and I have kept tasting notes on many of them.
Much as I detest what this ex-mayor and wine maker has done,let us be realistic–His award was in 2005,it is his 2008 wine that was found tainted,so unless by implication you assume his 2005 wine was tainted,why should he hand back his award?
Perhaps if anyone still holds 2005 vintage they could get it independently tested.