Oszkar Maurer "Crazy Lud" Dry White Serbia 2021

Direct Press Selection

November 2022

Take our word for it, this blend of Syrmia Green, Bakator, Slankamenka, Kevidinka, and Welschriesling from northwest Serbia is not nearly as exotic in taste as it may appear. It’s a super-refreshing easy-drinker, as perfect for a summer day at Coney Island as it is with spicy Thai food in the dead of winter. Bursting with tangerine and Meyer lemon notes, there are hints of peach tea, creamsicle, marmalade, and sour beer as well. Bright, tangy, and just a little salty mineral texture from some skin contact make this about as crowd-friendly as orange wine gets.

Oszkar Maurer’s family has been making wine for four generations in what was part of Hungary until 1920. He works organically and has been helping mentor younger winemakers and assisting them with wine and farming equipment so that they can also showcase the special qualities of the region. Many of his labels feature artwork from children in his home village. ‘Crazy Lud’ has a goose on it because lud means ‘goose’ in Hungarian and ‘crazy’ in Serbian. It’s inspired by the Hungarian phrase ha lúd, legyen kövér! which means, ‘if it’s a goose, let it be fat’. Go big or go home, essentially. Jeremy Hernandez & Jonathan Kemp