Sauska Cellar, Tokaj.
In partnership with Wines of Hungary
The mighty Danube as it divides Buda from Pest. Historic Art Nouveau architecture, grand coffee houses and decadent Turkish baths. Be?la Barto?k, Ferenc Puska?s. All indisputably Hungarian icons – but volcanoes? Yes indeed, Hungary is dominated by a volcanic landscape whose impact is key to the character of the country’s wines.
Within this selection, you will find an array of grape varieties and wine styles from these volcanic terroirs. Of course, Furmint features as the main protagonist in many of these blends, testament to the versatility of the variety and the quality of the wines it produces. There is even a fantastic sparkling Furmint, which is an outstanding example both of traditional-method winemaking and the variety’s malleability.
The country’s volcanic terroirs have also produced outstanding interpretations of Olaszrizling (Welschriesling), Sauvignon Blanc, Ke?kfrankos, Zweigelt and Pinot Noir, as well as sweet wines that hark back to when Hungary’s Tokaji was prized throughout the royal courts of Europe. Of course, these wines have their distinct personalities, which represent a diversity of styles – but there are some clear commonalities.
There is a significant mineral component, which makes itself known through a stony, petrichor character, or a more intense flinty or ferrous note. And then there’s the high acidity that brings not only freshness and elegance but also, in many cases, longevity.
Overall, for lovers of ancient landscapes and modern, racy wines, Hungary has a lot to offer!
Caves within volcanic rock provide ideal conditions for ageing wine. Credit: Wines of Hungary
Sparkling
Kreinbacher Birtok Classic Brut NV
Mesmerising white florals, ripe orchard fruit and toasted brioche notes abound! Gorgeous citrus acidity, bouncy delicate foam and a long mineral finish. Outstanding! Gold medal winner at DWWA 2024.
Drink 2024-2028 | Alcohol 12.5%
Gilvesy Me?thode Traditionnelle, Badacsony 2019
Fantastically Furmint in character, this sparkling wine is balanced and poised with a seductive smokiness and toasted brioche notes. Complex and layered with serious acidity that points to its elegant evolution and potential to age further. Great personality and structure.
Drink 2024-2029 | Alcohol 11.5%
Sauska Furmint Brut 2017
Fruit sourced from the winery’s Tokaj vineyards, vinified in Budafok. Lemon sherbet, pear and green apple on the nose. Whole-bunch pressed, unoaked and 7g/l dosage. Green apple, kiwi and lemon on the palate, whilst a buttery depth and texture nod to five years of lees ageing. Cleansing lime zest leads to a lingering, nutty finish.
Drink 2024-2027 | Alcohol 12%
Furmint is widely planted in Badacsony’s volcanic soils. Credit: Wines of Hungary
White
Benedek Pince Epreskert Sauvignon Blanc, Ma?tra 2023
Racy acidity and punchy citrus fruit dominate this Sauvignon Blanc from one of Hungary’s most important white wine regions, to the north of Budapest. With a pithy grapefruit core, this youthful and vibrant wine shows flinty freshness on the finish.
Drink 2024-2026 | Alcohol 12.5%
Gizella Ha?rslevelu? Furmint Cuve?e, Tokaj 2023
A lovely introduction to dry wines from the region: Ha?rslevelu? (53%) brings a pretty floral component, while Furmint contributes typical structure and minerality. Juicy peaches, lemon and almond are immediately appealing. Just a touch of sweetness on the finish softens some of the Furmint’s natural bitterness.
Drink 2024-2026 | Alcohol 12.5%
Balassa Furmint, Tokaj 2022
Serious and layered but immediately enjoyable, this is a Furmint full of tropical fruit – orange blossom, guava and peach – balanced perfectly by intense salinity. Stony metallic notes intertwine harmoniously with the typical punchy acidity of Tokaj. Mouthwateringly mineral on the finish.
Drink 2024-2028 | Alcohol 13%
Patricius Furmint, Tokaj 2022
A crystal-clear wine with engaging aromas of apple blossom and…
Source : https://www.decanter.com.master.public.keystone-prod-eks-euw1.futureplc.engineering/sponsored/tasting-hungary-535181/
