This juicy siller, with its fitting Halloween name, is a delightful hidden gem from Hungary’s Szekszárd region. Located in the southern part of the country, Szekszárd is known for its sun-drenched hot summers and mild winters. As local winemakers told me, this is where “the wine of love” grows, and after tasting this, I couldn’t agree more!

Let’s start by tackling the elephant in the room: what exactly is a siller wine? For those who have attended my wine tastings before, this won’t be new, as I love showcasing this unique style.

Simply put, siller is a category of wine between rosé and red. It’s made from the same grapes that would produce a vibrant rosé or a full-bodied red, but the key difference lies in the skin maceration time. Siller typically macerates for 24–72 hours, which gives the wine a deeper color and spicier flavors compared to a standard rosé.

This particular wine is 100% Kadarka, one of the most prominent grapes in Szekszárd and well-known throughout Hungary. It’s believed to have been introduced from the Balkans centuries ago.

In the glass, the color is captivating—a deep, brilliant pink with the shimmer of a ruby. The nose offers fresh strawberries and raspberries with a delicate hint of clove in the background. The flavors on the palate are intense and wonderfully fruity; those raspberry and tart strawberry notes reappear, joined by a touch of lingonberry.

This is a dry wine—an important note, especially for my friends in the United States who may be used to sweeter rosés. It has a medium+ body, balanced by crisp acidity and moderate alcohol (13%). While the tannins linger pleasantly, the finish is unfortunately quite short. I only wish those delicious flavors would stick around longer!

This siller is versatile enough to be served chilled like a rosé or slightly warmer, around 16∘C (60∘F). I paired this beauty with a jacket potato from the BBQ and grilled pork chops, and it was a perfect match.

Quick Info Sheet:

  • Producer: Schieber Pince
  • 🇭🇺 Country & Wine Region: Hungary, Szekszárd
  • 🍇 Grape & Vintage: Kadarka, 2024
  • 📅 Aging Potential: Drink now or within the next year
  • 🏷️ Price: 1600–2300 Hungarian Forints