Péter Pince Sweet Szamorodni 2019

At the foothills of Hungary’s famed Tokaj region stands Péter Ákos Benedek’s boutique estate, Péter Pince, where ancient vineyards on volcanic slopes are worked with minimal intervention. The estate is renowned for its soulful expressions of Furmint, Hárslevelű and related varieties, and this Sweet Szamorodni is a sublime example of their craft. The grapes for the 2019 Szamorodni were selected late in the season, including botrytised berries, and pressed gently, fermented, and then aged in a combination of new and used Hungarian oak barrels drawn from the Zempléni Hills. The resulting wine has rich presence but retains freshness thanks to the region’s cool nights and minerally soils.

Pale gold in the glass, this sweet Tokaj opens with enticing aromas of ripe peach, dried apricot, honeyed citrus and white florals, layered with a subtle hint of vanilla and gentle oak spice. On the palate, the sugar is balanced by bright acidity and fine minerality, showing nectarine, quince, and candied ginger, followed by a long, silky finish with echoes of marmalade and toasted almond. 

This wine is perfect with blue cheese (such as Stilton or Roquefort), or tropical fruit desserts.