Szentesi Pince Laska 2021, Etyek-Buda, Hungary
A ravishing red revival – only a few hundred bottles made!
Following the phylloxera plague, only 10 Laska vines remained.
Winemaker József Szentesi, the renowned re-discoverer of ancient Hungarian varieties, secured Laska from the wine research institute in Pécs and brought it back to life, giving it a home in his estate vineyards in Etyek-Buda. This rare red is rich and round – with flavors like blackberry, black cherry, and blackcurrant – plus a delicate dash of peppery spice from resting 14 months in neutral oak barrels. Szentesi’s Laska deserves pairings that honor its renaissance, like grilled steak, lamb, pork, game meats – or for vegans/vegetarians, grilled portobello mushroom.
Tasted September 2023 with József Szentesi at Szentesi Pince.
Wine notes originally written for Danube Wines.
Read more about Szentesi Pince.
(Yes, I am Szentesi’s copywriter/copy editor, too!)
US importer and retailer Taste Hungary USA.
UK importer and retailer Danube Wines.