| Pronunciation: |
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| Location: |
Somlo is the smallest wine region in Hungary. The Somlo Wine Region consists of three separate areas: Somlohegy itself (431m), Kissomlyo (219m) and to the North, Saghegy (278m). The hills rise out of the flat plains 20 miles North of Lake Balaton. |
| History: |
Somlo was formerly one of the most famous of Hungary's wine regions. There were times when its fame eclipsed even that of Tokaj. Somlo wines were said to posess medicinal qualities and were drunk on the wedding night supposedly to increase the chances of conceiving a male child. In former times held in high regard, the wines of Somlo have since been much degraded. After land reform many of the small plots had summer houses built on them and much good land has been lost. |
| Soil: |
Stoney volcanic soil, high in mineral content. |
Climate: |
Rising out of the the plains the hills of Somlo are exposed to the weather and the region is too far from Lake Balaton to benefit from its warming influence; It is markedly colder than the Balaton wine regions, though the south facing slopes make the most of the sunshine. |
Characteristic
varieties |
Only white wines are produced in Somlo; traditional Hungarian varieties are often favoured: Juhfark, Harslevelu and Furmint. |
| Wine Styles |
Somló wines are fiery and full bodied with a high acid and alcohol content. Traditionally they react well to barrel ageing developing an elegant balance of rich aromas. During the ninteenth Century all Somlo wine was barrel aged for five years. |
| Area |
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Sub-Regions
& Districts |
i) Somló Sub-Region:
Doba, Somlójeno, Somlószolos, Somlóvásárhely.
ii) Kissomlyó-Sághegy Sub-Region:
Borgáta, Celldömölk, Kemeneskápolna, Kissomlyó, Mesteri. |
