From: Mád, Hungary
Varietal: Furmint, Hárslevelü
Taste: This glass has a medium gold hue. The initial aromas are rich and creamy, quickly transitioning to oxidated citrus. On the palate, this complex and layered sparkling wine offers ripe notes of yellow apples, mandarin orange, and quince, which give way to a delightful array of exotic spices and Meyer lemon. The depth and intricacy of flavors create a balance, showcasing the unique character of the Furmint and Hárslevelű blend from Királyudvar's Henye vineyard.
Pairing: Its vibrant acidity and rich, exotic flavors complement seafood and poultry. Fresh oysters on the half shell are a fantastic match, as their minerality and brininess enhance the wine's citrus notes and creamy texture. With its delicate, flaky flesh, grilled sea bass pairs wonderfully with the wine’s ripe apple and quince flavors, while the Meyer lemon and exotic spices add a delightful contrast. Roast chicken with herbs benefits from the wine’s savory oxidative citrus aromas, creating a harmonious dining experience. Duck à l'Orange is another excellent pairing, where the wine's mandarin orange and exotic spice notes perfectly complement this classic dish's sweet and tangy sauce. Additionally, a cheese platter featuring aged cheeses, particularly those with nutty and creamy characteristics, pairs exceptionally well with the wine’s complex layers and depth.
Roasted Chilean Sea Bass With Chive Oil
By Amanda Hesser
About: When Anthony Hwang loaded his family into their car and drove northeast from Budapest in 1997, he could hardly have imagined where the road would inevitably lead. This journey, sparked by a recommendation from a sommelier the previous evening, was inspired by a Tokaji Aszú that made an indelible impression on him. The wine, with its profound identity and razor-sharp balance, embodied everything Tony craved in a bottle.
Tokaj, once one of the world’s most prestigious wine regions, was renowned for its Aszú and Esszencia dessert wines, among the world's most coveted and expensive. However, the region's traditional European markets were devastated by two world wars, and the decline continued under Communist rule. After the fall of the Iron Curtain, a few dedicated individuals struggled to preserve the Tokaji legacy, the most prominent being Istvan Szepsy, whom Tony was determined to meet.
Tony was floored by the wines he tasted and moved by the realization that, with investment and steady purpose, the region could once again produce some of the world’s most unique and intriguing wines. Just a few months after his visit, Tony purchased Királyudvar (Kee-RYE-oohd-var), a vineyard that had, for centuries, supplied Imperial wine to the Hapsburgs. Szepsy became a partner, helping Tony rehabilitate the vineyards while the château was rebuilt.