OM DENNE EPISODE
Robert Gilvesy: Leading innovation in Hungarian wines
Robert Gilvesy is founder and owner of Gilvesy Winery, based in the Badacsony wine region on the northwest shore of Lake Balaton in Hungary.
Born and raised in Tillsonburg, Ontario to Hungarian-Canadian parents, Robert talks about his career, initially as an architect, time spent living in France, his love of wine, and a growing passion to re-connect with his heritage that led to acquiring the land that would become Gilvesy winery. The cellar at his winery has a history dating back to 1680, and the land was once owned by the famous Esterhazy family of Hungary.
Robert provides some background on the wine regions of Hungary, mentioning the long legacy of Hungarian wines, starting with Tokay Aszu, one of the most famous international sweet wines, or Hungarian sparkling wine, such as Torley.
We give some context to the modern era of winemaking in the country, from the impact of collectivization of vineyards in the mid of the 20th century, to the 1990s, that ushered in an era of new energy in the sector, including the latest decade, where a new generation of winemakers are training in some of the world’s best wine schools and bringing back their knowledge to Hungary.
Robert highlights the use of international grape varietals in relation to local, indigenous types native to Hungary, like Furmint, Kadarka, Keknyelu, Juhfark, Olaszrizling, and Harslevelu, and mentions the uniqueness of the volcanic wine heritage in Hungary, as well as the new marketing initiatives underway to promote Hungarian wines. Robert’s philosophy for his winery honors the Balaton-Badacsony region’s micro-climate, volcanic soil, basalt rocks, and uses organic practices in his vineyards. In Canada, one way to access Gilvesy wines is through Nicholas Pearce wines.
