In the last decade, it’s become common to see celebrated winemakers launch projects in far-flung corners of the wine world. But twenty-five years ago, such ventures were still rare. So, when the legendary ...
In the last decade, it’s become common to see celebrated winemakers launch projects in far-flung corners of the wine world. But twenty-five years ago, such ventures were still rare. So, when the legendary Egon Müller began making wine at a 225-year-old château and hotel in Slovakia, it raised eyebrows. Since 2001, working alongside full-time chef de cave Miroslav Petrech, Egon has been producing brilliant whites at Château Belá—Riesling foremost among them, along with Grüner Veltliner and the local variety Breslava. These are wines of precision and purity, typically fermented dry, with clarity of fruit and a structure that places them confidently alongside the greatest wines of Austria and Alsace.
Even in Egon Muller's Germany, a TBA year is a rare occurrence and in 25 years at Chateau Bela, he and Miroslav have only managed to produce one a handful of times. The 2017 vinage at Bela was considered quite remarkable, with steady ripeness well into autumn juxtaposed against astonishing acidity. The feeling of caramelisation in the stone fruit flavors gain complexity from an array of savory notes - walnut, truffle, beeswax. There is terrific length and staying power on the palate. An excellent wine and an incredible value for the TBA level!
