Szõke Mátyás

Website: Szõke Mátyás Winery
Country Location: Hungary
 

szoke_matyasHungary's largest historic wine-region is located at the foot of the Mátra Mountains in the northeast part of the country. The Mátraalja wine region is a half hour ride from Budapest and next to the famous Eger wine region. On the southern slopes of the Mátra mountains (translated as Mátraalja) wine growing began in the 11th century. The soil, the climate and the beneficial influence of the immediately adjacent Mátra hills create a special microclimate where lovers of aromatic white wines with fine acidity can find a real paradise.


  The white wines are ranked among Hungary's best. Production of red wines fell back in the past few decades, though the wine cellars of Mátraalja are catching up with the leaders of Hungary's red wine production with Zweigelt, Kékfrankos (Blaufränkisch) and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes.
  The most important family owned winery of the Mátraalja wine-district is the Mátyás Szõke Winery in the town of Gyöngyöstarján. szoke_matyasMátyás Szõke has been focused on winemaking since the 70's, which is quite early in the history of recent winemaking in Hungary. From the very beginning, his wines have been destined for the gourmet. In Budapest alone, his products are served in more than one hundred restaurants. The Szõke wines are also well known abroad; almost half of the production is sold in Europe every year. Szõke's white wines are also ambassadors of the Mátra region; they are served in countless Hungarian Embassies worldwide. Pursuing a well thought out development plan, the winery’s modern technology and the widely recognized reliability of the wines have contributed to growing export figures. The winery’s success also is due to the grower’s sheer good taste and commitment to native Hungarian grapes.
  
  VINEYARDS. Szõke focuses on white wines made from the grapes of the Olaszrizling (Italian Riesling), Sylvaner, Hárslevelü (Linden-Leaf), Ottonel Muscatel, Tramini, Király Leányka, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc, and red wines made from Cabernet Sauvignon and Kékfrankos grapes. The family cultivates 50 hectares in the Cserepes and Peresi vineyards.
  
  WINEMAKING. The white wines are produced in temperature controlled fermentation tanks so that the terroir of the Mátra hill region and the fragrance and flavor of the grapes remains with its full brilliance and develops in the wine. The harvesting, done by hand, is focused on quickly bringing the ripe grapes into the winery. szoke_matyasThe winemaking uses modern international style technology. The cellars, deep under the Mátra hills, are old, some of them dating from the time of Napoleon. Son Zoltán, who is a college-trained winemaker, has advanced the cellar work and use of new technology. The winery produces between 150,000 to 200,000 bottles yearly primarily for restaurants. Mátyás Szõke's goal is to be the leading wine producer of his appellation and to continue to fully utilize the Mátra wine region’s traditions and the great potential of its natural endowments.
  
  The Irsai Oliver made by Szoeke is also available at the Wine of the Month Club.
 

Wines:

 szoke_matyas
Chardonnay 2001
Pale straw yellow approaching gold, the wine delivers plenty of white fruit: peaches and nectarines with a hint of apricot and citrus. Vinifed in an unoaked crisp style. Elegant and crisp on the palate well balanced. Substantial and lingering finish.

szoke_matyas
Cabernet Sauvignon 2000
Dark ruby with the aroma of raspberries and cherries and fallen leaves on the nose. Taste of ripe plum and red berries with a sound balance to crown it all. Tempting and enjoyable now.
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