PAP Wines – Gepid

PAP Wines Gepid: Amphora-Aged Volcanic Olaszrizling

Discover the raw energy of volcanic soils with a truly exceptional low-intervention bottle. PAP Wines Gepid is a 100% Olaszrizling (Welschriesling) natural wine crafted on the ancient slopes of Mount Saint George (Szent György Hill), near Lake Balaton. Winemakers Áron Molnár and Karina Vissonova named this white cuvée after the historical Gepid tribe that once thrived in the Carpathian Basin. Consequently, the wine represents a deep connection to history, land, and minimal-intervention artistry.

How PAP Wines Gepid Is Made: Direct Pressing and Meticulous Amphora Maturation

The winemakers follow a highly artisanal process to shape this wine's unique, refreshing profile. First, they harvest the grapes manually and transfer them immediately to the press for a clean, direct pressing. Following spontaneous fermentation, the wine matures exclusively in clay amphorae, on its fine lees. This amphora aging provides gentle micro-oxygenation. As a result, the clay rounds out the wine's texture beautifully, without adding any woody oak flavors to the pure Olaszrizling grape.

Organic Farming and Zero Intervention

The foundation of PAP Winery relies entirely on chemical-free viticulture on volcanic soils. The owners cultivate their small plots using strictly organic and biodynamic philosophies to protect the soil life. Therefore, they completely reject systemic pesticides, herbicides, or synthetic fertilizers in the vineyards. In the cellar, they respect the natural process and avoid commercial yeasts or additives. Ultimately, the wine is bottled unfiltered, unfined, and with zero added sulfites (zero-zero).

Tasting Notes and Food Pairing

In the glass, this low-intervention white wine shows a lovely pale straw color with a slight natural haziness. The nose quickly reveals an elegant bouquet of crisp green apple, fresh citrus peel, and white peach. Additionally, you'll notice a clean, salty-mineral edge reflecting the volcanic basalt of the mountain. On the palate, a remarkably smooth texture balances beautifully with fresh acidity and a classic, dry finish.

This complex white wine works incredibly well with light gastronomy. For instance, you can pair it with fresh seafood, grilled white fish, or lemon-herb roasted poultry. Additionally, it complements summer salads and goat cheeses beautifully. We highly recommend serving this wine chilled, at around 10–12°C, so the mineral and fruit layers can shine.

If you enjoy PAP Pince's natural winemaking philosophy, it's worth trying PAP Wines Rabbit's Foot as well — the same Szent György Hill terroir and radical approach, in a different style. You can read more about the Gepids, a historical tribe of the Carpathian Basin, here.

Order PAP Wines Gepid today, and discover one of Szent György Hill's purest, amphora-aged white wines.