CODEX of the Baricska wine track Union

In the CODEX, events in connection with the Union and Baricska track will be recorded

Signboard on the track

The cellars would be identified by such signboards over the entrance

Barrel used as a sign, 24 liters

GENERAL OVERVIEW OF THE AREA

Geographic location of the Balatonfüred-Csopak wine country. In this area, the Balatonfüred-Szőlősi Wine area is included.

The wine country stretches from Zánka to Balatonalmádi on the north coast of lake Balaton. Its soil contains a lot of lime, evidenced by the acid content of the wines produced here. The area's typical white wines area are more full-bodied, more fiery, with greater . content than anywhere else around the lake.

The excellent microclimate of the area is favourable to wine-production. The gentle slopes absorb the rays reflected back from the lake's water, and store their warmth. The number of sunny hours is quite high, nearly 2000 hours a year. Precipitation is also favourable, since the lake's water, with its constant evaporation makes the air humid, and the area's winters milder.

This wine country, as the name suggests, is split into two wine regions. The wines of Balatonfüred are more full-bodied, fierier, their alcohol content higher; while the wines of Csopak are lighter, richer in aroma. Balatonfüred is made more attractive by the united power of wines and hot springs. People from all over the world travel here to enjoy themselves - from outside as well as from inside: with the power of sparkling medicinal water, unique climate beneficial for those with heart problems, and the good white wines.

Wine has been present in all of history, weathering its storms: it has quenched the thirst of fighting soldiers, been an integral part of worship ceremonies, and was regarded as one of the most important barter items.

Number of settlements in the wine region: 24

a) Balatonfüred - Csopak district: Alsóörs, Aszófő, Balatonakali, Balatonalmádi, Balatonfüred, Balatonszőlős, Balatonudvari, Csopak, Dörgicse, Felsőörs, Lovas, Mencshely, Örvényes, Paloznak, Pécsely, Tihany, Vászoly

B) Zánka district: Balatoncsicsó, Monoszló, Óbudavár, Szentantalfa, Szentjakabfa, Tagyon, Zánka areas of Ist and IInd categories according to the cadastre

Area: Balatonfüred-Szőlős

Area of the Balatonfüred-Csopak wine region according to the local cadastre: 6265 acres.

Climate: Lots of sunlight, favourable weather for grape cultivation.
Soil: The unique composition of the local soil contributes greatly to the special taste of local wines. Varied crystal shale, covered by sandstone, limestone and sand. At some places, the high iron content gives the soil a distinctive reddish tint.
Grapes, wines: the most famous species in the area is the "Olaszrizling", which has gained ground approximately a century ago, and has become a trademark with its exceptional quality.
Olaszrizling: pleasing even aesthetically, greenish-white, with pleasant smell, spicy taste and full flavour. Years later, it acquires a plum-like secondary taste.
Chardonnay, "Rizlingszilváni": yield pleasant, soft, aromatic wines with intensive smell.

The Tihany-peninsula is famous for its fiery red wines.

The area is also home to great wines such as Sauvignon blanc, Pinot blanc, Merlot, Zweigelt, and others.

History:
Probably, even in Emperors Probus' time, Pannonia's grape culture was evolving. Ruins of a villa urbana were found in the Baláca badlands, dating back to the II-III century. Apart from the grape motif in the ornamenting, many of the murals depict scenes from the cultivation of grape, mostly the harvest period. In Balatonfüred, after Árpád's conquest, the area was under the rule of Karkász's tribe, but according to a property list from 1082, the bishop of Veszprém had lands in Csopak, among others. In 1211, Balatonfüred became the property of the Tihany Abbey. In the following centuries, the cultural life of the country has moved from the Balaton's are to the castles along the Danube, so the wines of Füred and Csopak serves only to heighten the moods of country noblemen, and alleviate the sadness of local peasants.
The fighting of the Turkish times probably decimated the grape producers too, and available area probably decreased as well.
However, in the XVIII century, Balatonfüred received a new boost, and by the middle of the XIX century, it has become "capital of Balaton", where county and national noblemen met at times of balls, celebrations, and enjoyed themselves all the better in the company of excellent white wines.
Even today, Balatonfüred is the centre of the region, found in one of the most beautiful areas of the northern coast, and is the proud holder of the "International City of Grape and Wine" title, since 1987.
Since 1932, every year (except for some forced terminations), in august, the Wine Weeks celebration is held, reviving old customs and practices. Producers offer their best wines on the beautiful Tagore promenade, and the visitor can enjoy spectacular panoramas, as well as folk-art fairs and eye-catching shows every evening.

The certified wine-track stations of the Csopak area -, Balatonfüred and surroundings -, and the Zánka-Nivegy valley wine track association present ample opportunities for quality wine tasting an purchases for all customers.