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This year, a 2021 cuvée from the Kancellár Estate in Somló was named the world’s best white wine at one of the most prestigious competitions in the winemaking profession. However, there is a twist: the recipe for the prize-winning wine was not dreamed up by a winemaker, but by artificial intelligence.
At this year’s Concours Mondial de Bruxelles (CMB), Hungary achieved sensational success. The Kancellár Estate’s “SomlAI 2021” blend from Somló won the title of “Revelation White Wine,” the award for the best white wine. This is remarkable in itself, but the story becomes even more exciting when we consider that the wine was created partly with the help of artificial intelligence.
As Vince.hu reports, one of the estate’s employees turned to ChatGPT “just for fun” to ask how to put together their 2021 cuvée.
Of the 22-page document they received in response, 20 pages were deemed marketing gibberish, but the advice on the remaining two pages was taken to heart.
The blend recommended by artificial intelligence is based on Furmint, combined with Hárslevelű, Juhfark, and Cserszegi Fűszeres. This is not exactly a conventional mix, but based on the jury’s evaluation, it was a bull’s-eye.
The CMB experts highlighted the “vibrant acids, long finish, and honey aroma and flavor notes” in their evaluation.
The entry received the highest score out of 2,400 white wines.
The name of the wine is no coincidence: SomlAI – it contains “Somló” and “AI,” short for artificial intelligence.
The use of artificial intelligence in winemaking is not common, but this case highlights its potential. Although this may raise the question in many people’s minds as to whether machines will replace winemakers, the chances of this are slim.
Rather, this case illustrates the fact that they can provide a new source of inspiration.
Only 3,900 bottles were produced from the batch named as “the world’s best white wine,” hence those who want to taste the “wine of the future” should hurry. SomlAI 2021 is still available at the winery at a surprisingly affordable price of HUF 3,990 (EUR 9.99).
This is not the first Hungarian success in the history of the CMB: in 2021, the 2015 Cassiopeia Merlot from the Jammertal Winery in Villány was named the best red wine in the competition. Now, with the help of artificial intelligence, the Hungarian flag is flying high among white wines as well.
Via Vince.hu, Featured image: Pixabay