Hidden Treasures - A Moric Project Balaton Nr. 3 feat. Villa Tolnay 2021 white

Hidden Treasures – A Moric Project Balaton Nr. 3 feat. Villa Tolnay 2021 shines a spotlight on Hungary’s lesser-known white wine potential. Crafted by Blaufränkisch pioneer Roland Velich in collaboration with Villa Tolnay on Lake Balaton, this Furmint–Riesling blend is all about character and understated complexity rather than showy fruit. It pays homage to centuries of winemaking around the Balaton while reinterpreting the region in a strikingly modern, mineral-driven style.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, this 2021 Balaton white is pale straw with subtle green reflections, signaling freshness and tension. The nose is refined rather than exuberant: stony and gently smoky notes lead the way, interwoven with dried blossoms, apple chips and a delicate touch of yellow stone fruit. On the palate, the wine is lean, precise and almost sinewy, with a taut, spicy core. There is a quiet but palpable inner power, delivering impressive drive across the mid-palate while remaining elegant and featherlight on its feet. The naturally high acidity of both Furmint and Riesling is beautifully tamed here, coming across as finely integrated and harmonious, giving the wine a long, clean, and subtly salty finish. Enjoyable now for its energy and clarity, it also has the structure to evolve positively over the next 5–7 years, gaining further complexity and textural nuance.

Production
Sourced from vineyards around Hungary’s Lake Balaton, the wine reflects a cool, volcanic-influenced terroir with mineral-rich soils and strong moderating breezes from the lake. Grapes are picked by hand to ensure pristine fruit selection, honoring the traditional, quality-focused approach that has long defined this historic region. In the cellar, Roland Velich’s philosophy favors gentle handling and minimal intervention: slow, controlled fermentations (often with ambient yeasts where conditions allow) and élevage in neutral vessels to highlight texture and terroir rather than oak. The result is a transparent, terroir-driven white that lets Furmint and Riesling’s natural tension and minerality take center stage.

Food & Serving
This Balaton Nr. 3 is a versatile gastronomic white, ideal for dishes that appreciate acidity, minerality and subtle aromatics. Think freshwater fish (trout, pike-perch, perch), simple grilled white fish with lemon, or shellfish such as mussels and clams. It also pairs beautifully with lightly spiced Asian cuisine, vegetable-focused dishes, soft goat’s cheese and dishes featuring herbs like tarragon, dill or chervil. Serve well chilled but not icy, at around 9–11 °C, to allow the smoky, floral and mineral nuances to unfold. A brief 20–30 minutes in the glass or a short, gentle decant can help the wine open up aromatically, especially in its youth.

Producer
Roland Velich, operating under Roland Velich GmbH and known internationally for redefining Austrian Blaufränkisch with his Moric label, has turned his attention to Hungary with the "Hidden Treasures" series. His aim is to uncover and champion the country’s most distinctive terroirs and native styles, working closely with local estates such as Villa Tolnay on Lake Balaton. While Hungary is globally best known for its sweet Tokaji, projects like this highlight the country’s enormous potential for characterful, dry wines. Velich’s reputation for precision, restraint and terroir expression has made him a key voice in Central European wine, and the Hidden Treasures range stands as a testament to his commitment to authenticity and regional identity.

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