This Hungarian winery has vineyards and winemaking facilities in two locations: Tokaj (northeast Hungary) and Villány (southwest Hungary). Facilities are modern and innovative with a respect for tradition. Sauska produces a range of over 50 different quality wines from the two regions.
Krisztián Sauska was originally from a small town in Villány, but moved to the U.S. in the 1970’s to work and get an education. He had few resources and spoke little English at the time, but worked his way up from the assembly line of an architectural lighting firm to its vice president while also getting his BS in Engineering and his MBA. Over time, he became very interested in wine, developing his palate and his passion for fine wine. Together with his wife, Andrea, he moved back to Hungary and founded Sauska winery in 2000, utilizing top wine consultants to achieve excellence. His daughter, Stefanie and her husband Péter now head up the operations. Sauska champions biodiversity and sustainability in its vineyards.
Hand-harvested grapes for this wine come from the winery’s premium vineyards in Tokaj. After selection, they are cooled in dry ice to preserve primary aromas and freshness, then cold-temperature fermented in stainless steel tanks using indigenous yeast fermentation. A small portion goes through malolactic fermentation, giving texture to the wine. Aging for a couple of months on the lees (spent yeasts) also contributes a roundness to the wine.
TASTING NOTES
This wine shows the characteristic salty Tokaj minerality. Medium weight and dry with lemon, white peach, blood orange, tropical fruits and mint flavors. The finish offers a grapefruit tang.
FOOD PAIRING
This wine is a good friend to seafood such as clams, trout, sushi, medium weight white fish or pasta dishes such as shrimp scampi with orzo. You can pair it with a range of appetizers and with most vegetable dishes (try potato casseroles or braised cabbage). Chicken, turkey and pork are excellent matches.
Brunch Foods, Chicken/Turkey, Dessert (fruit), Fish (white), Ham, Hors d'oeuvres, Just for Cocktailing, Pork, Sushi, Tapas, Vegetables