Chateau Bela Egon Muller Veltlinske Zelene 2024

Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant. Château Belá is a historic Slovakian castle boasting over 220 years of history; today, it serves as a hotel and a venue for conferences and special events. For over 25 years, the estate has also made excellent, internationally acclaimed wines under the guidance of renowned winemaker Egon Müller and in collaboration with chef de cave Miroslav Petrech. Here in southern Slovakia, the soils share a composition and characteristics similar to those of Austria’s Kamptal region, featuring a blend of loess and sand over layers of clay and volcanic bedrock. This makes the site particularly well-suited for Grüner Veltliner—Austria’s iconic grape variety—which was planted on the estate in 1987. The area’s relatively cool, breezy climate further fosters the development of rich aromatics and vibrant acidity, hallmarks of this variety. Following hand-harvesting and vinification, the wine is aged in oak for eight months. The result is a white wine with a pure, precise character and a fresh, fragrant aromatic profile, featuring floral notes interspersed with hints of stone fruit and melon, and finishing touches of white pepper. On the palate, it is vibrant, crisp, juicy, and well-structured, boasting lively freshness and a long finish that evokes delicate almond notes. Try it with a chicken Caesar salad or Pad Thai.