Love Over Money: Evolúció Furmint and Blaufränkish

Pricing is available as supply lasts.
SALE CLOSES MONDAY, APRIL 7, 2025, at 12:00 pm.
ALL WINES AVAILABLE FOR PICKUP starting Wednesday, April 9, at 5 pm.

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Hi everyone –

Today’s offer was supposed to include a couple of gems from Mark and Pattie Björnson in Willamette Valley, but earlier this week, the local distributor (Vinocopia) had a fire at their warehouse. Thankfully, nobody was hurt in the fire, but the inventory in the warehouse was impacted.

This being alcohol, the state of Minnesota got involved immediately, sealed the building, and determined that ALL inventory in the warehouse had to be destroyed. (OUCH!) Insurance claims will be high, but more importantly, it will be at least a month or two before the wholesaler returns to speed with even a single product to sell.

To add salt to the wound, out-of-country products will now be more expensive thanks to Trump (hopefully, insurance will cover that spread to replace pre-tariff inventory). Vinocopia distributes the locally owned and extremely popular Piatelli Winery from Argentina (https://www.startribune.com/minnesota-businessman-becomes-accidental-wine-baron-in-argentina/314968771).

Send some good karma to our friends at Vinocopia.

Gear shift: let’s talk about Hungary and Austria

So, because suddenly there is no Björnson to sell you this week, and I’m in Provence, France, about to lead a tour (I’m typing this at 1 a.m. Minnesota time on Friday), I leaned on my friends at Bourget Imports to help me find some cool stuff to offer you this week. Katie Janke, whom many of you know from our events and at Solo Vino, stepped up right away and helped assemble something super cool.

Two wines. Two gems. Great pricing. Amazing quality. Cool labels. And a window into Central European wines through two top-notch grapes.

I’ve enjoyed these wines over the years, and the current vintages are the best yet.

I’ll also need to point this out often over the rest of the year: this is pre-tariff inventory. Once it is depleted and the next order comes in from Europe, you pay a lot more for the same wine. Thanks, Donald.

These wines come from the importer’s “Love over Money” collection, which celebrates native grape varieties worldwide in an affordable but top-quality way, encouraging exploration.

Hungary has far more wine regions and sub-regions than most Americans recognize. Diversity is surprising, and as a wine destination it has tons of appeal.

A Short History of Winemaking in Hungary

Hungary’s winemaking tradition dates back over a thousand years. The country’s vineyards thrive in a climate influenced by the Carpathian Basin, volcanic soils, and the moderating effects of rivers and lakes—creating ideal conditions for both red and white wine production. During the period of communist occupation (most of the 20th century), the only client for grape growers was the government, leading to bland wines and over-production. But as soon as communism fell, there was a rush of modernism into the industry, leading to a renaissance.

One of Hungary’s most famous historical wines is Tokaji Aszú, the world’s first recorded botrytized sweet wine made from Furmint and celebrated since the 16th century. But Hungary’s winemaking heritage extends far beyond sweet wines.

Furmint – Hungary’s Signature White

Furmint is the backbone of Tokaji Aszú, but it also shines as a dry white, gaining popularity for its crisp acidity, minerality, and aging potential. Grown primarily in the Tokaj region, Furmint thrives in volcanic soils, producing wines with complex citrus, stone fruit, and honeyed notes. Today, dry Furmint is experiencing a renaissance, proving itself as one of Hungary’s most versatile and exciting grapes. Learn more about Furmint at Winesearcher.

Austria, at its essence, is easy to explain: skiing and hiking in the west, wine and music in the east. Of course, it’s a bit more complicated than that, but that’s a good start.

A Short History of Winemaking in Austria

Winemaking in Austria dates back over 2,000 years, with roots in the Celtic and Roman eras. Austrian wines were highly prized across Europe by the Middle Ages, and vineyards flourished under monastic influence. However, the industry faced challenges, including the 19th-century phylloxera crisis and a 1980s wine scandal, ultimately leading to Austria’s modern focus on high-quality, terroir-driven wines.

Blaufränkisch – Austria’s Bold Red

Blaufränkisch, one of Austria’s most important red grape varieties, was first documented in the 18th century. Thriving in regions like Burgenland, this grape produces wines with vibrant acidity, dark berry flavors, and spicy, earthy complexity. Known for its ageability and structure, Blaufränkisch is often compared to Pinot Noir or Syrah, making it a favorite among red wine lovers. Learn more about Blaufränkish on Winesearcher.

Today, Austria is celebrated for its strict quality standards, sustainable viticulture, and world-class wines. Blaufränkisch is a flagship variety alongside Grüner Veltliner and Riesling.

Evolúció Blaufränkisch and Furmint: two stunning expressions of Central Europe’s rich winemaking heritage.

Sourced from long-term partnerships with sustainable and organic growers, these wines honor tradition while offering an unbeatable quality-to-price ratio. Whether you’re a seasoned explorer of indigenous grapes or just starting to branch out, Evolúció makes it easy to sip beyond the familiar—without breaking the bank!

• Evolúció Furmint – A vibrant and expressive take on Hungary’s signature white grape. The nose bursts with fresh green apple, juicy pear, and ripe nectarine, layered with exotic hints of pineapple and delicate floral notes. On the palate, this wine is both lush and energetic, offering flavors of apricot and cantaloupe melon, balanced by a striking acidity that keeps it crisp and refreshing. A rich, textured mouthfeel leads to a clean, lingering finish, making this an adventurous yet effortlessly drinkable white.
  
• Evolúció Blaufränkisch – From Austria’s Burgenland, this beautifully balanced red that offers a perfect harmony of juicy red berry fruit—think ripe raspberry and cherry—accented by subtle earthy undertones and a touch of warm spices on the nose. The palate is vibrant and fresh, with rich, full-bodied fruit yet not overpowering or jammy. Lively acidity lifts the wine, and mineral quality adds depth and complexity. The finish is clean and satisfying, with lingering bright fruit and earthy nuances.

Buying and serving advice

The bang-for-the-buck factor on these wines is off the charts. Both represent local and artisinal. Both are farmed organically and made in a pure/transparent style. And let’s be honest here: those are great labels, and wine labels matter.

These are wines to serve to your wine-loving friends. They will probably not know them, either by producer or grape variety. But they are affordable enough to pop another bottle quickly when the first is emptied (which will happen faster than you think).

Here are some spring-inspired meal pairings with Blaufränkisch and Dry Furmint, perfect for the local seasonal shift.

Blaufränkisch

As spring temperatures can still be cool in Minnesota, Blaufränkisch pairs beautifully with hearty yet seasonal dishes:

• Morel Mushroom & Asparagus Risotto – Earthy morels, creamy risotto, and fresh asparagus bring out the wine’s dark fruit and spice.
• Grilled Pork Chops with Rhubarb Chutney – A perfect balance of smoky, tangy, and fruity to complement the wine’s acidity and structure.
•  Minnesota Bison Burgers with Smoked Gouda – The richness of bison and the smokiness of Gouda compliment Blaufränkisch’s boldness.

Dry Furmint

Dry Furmint loves herbs like tarragon, chives, and dill. Add them to sauces or dressings to enhance the pairing!

• Walleye with Lemon & Herbs – Walleye’s mild flavor is enhanced by Furmint’s citrus and minerality. I especially enjoy lots of tarragon butter with walleye, and it’s perfect with this wine.
• Spring Greens & Goat Cheese Salad with Honey Vinaigrette – The crispness of Furmint complements fresh greens, goat cheese, and a hint of sweetness.
• Grilled Shrimp with Garlic & Spring Pea Purée – Light and herbaceous, this dish brings out Furmint’s bright acidity.
• Minnesota Wild Rice & Asparagus Frittata – A fantastic brunch pairing with the wine’s vibrant freshness.

Thanks, everyone!

Jason Kallsen
Sommelier and founder/owner of Twin Cities Wine Education

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Offer and special pricing are available as inventory lasts