Szóló – Föld 2022

Szóló – Föld (Earth) 2022 Furmint 80%, Hárslevelű 20% Hungary, Tokaj From the ancient volcanic heart of Hungary comes a wine that is a true declaration of place. Szóló’s Föld, the Hungarian word for “Earth,” is a powerful and honest expression of its unique terroir, crafted in harmony with nature. This is not just a bottle of wine; it’s a direct broadcast from the mineral-rich soils of Tokaj, a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its 400 extinct volcanoes. This remarkable natural wine is the work of Tímea Éless, a winemaker who returned to her native village of Tállya to reclaim her family’s ancestral vineyards. This devotion to her roots shapes the entire winemaking philosophy. The estate is certified organic and biodynamic, with every step guided by a deep respect for nature. The grapes are hand-harvested from 60-year-old vines rooted deep in volcanic rhyolite tuff soil. This specific geology is the source of the wine’s signature intensity and stony, mineral core. In the cellar, the approach is radically minimalist. The wine is fermented and aged for 10 months in stoneware eggs, a choice that defines its character. Unlike oak, the inert ceramic imparts no flavour, allowing the purest expression of the fruit to shine. The egg’s shape encourages a slow, constant circulation within the wine, which gently keeps the lees moving, building a richer and more complex texture. The final wine is bottled without fining, filtration, or any added sulphur, making it a true “zero-zero” natural wine. In the glass, Föld 2022 is electric. It bursts with aromas of bright citrus, white peach, fresh ginger, and a delicate lift of wildflowers. The palate is precise and linear, driven by a mouth-watering acidity and a profound, savoury minerality that echoes its volcanic origins. The finish is long and clean, leaving a lingering impression of wet stone and citrus pith. Gracefully untamed and intensely pure, Szóló Föld is a wine for the adventurous drinker. It pairs brilliantly with a wide range of foods, from fresh seafood and oysters to roasted chicken, pork belly, and dishes with fresh herbs and spices. For more pairing suggestions, see below. WINE PROFILE Szolo - Fold 2022 FOOD PAIRING omni Starters Raw Oysters with a Ginger-Lime Mignonette: A classic pairing where the wine’s saline minerality and high acidity perfectly complement the briny oysters. The ginger in the sauce will echo the wine’s spicy notes. Smoked Trout Pâté on Rye Crisps: The wine’s crispness cuts through the richness of the pâté, while its citrus notes lift the smoky flavor of the fish. Seared Scallops with Prosciutto: The wine’s acidity balances the richness of the scallops and the saltiness of the prosciutto, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. Main Courses Lemon and Herb Roasted Chicken: The wine’s bright acidity and herbal undertones are a perfect match for a simply roasted chicken, enhancing its flavors without overpowering them. Crispy Skin Pork Belly with an Apple Compote: The wine’s acidity is essential for cutting through the richness of the pork belly, while its stone fruit notes beautifully match the apple compote. Sushi and Sashimi Platter: The clean, mineral-driven profile of the wine acts as an excellent palate cleanser, enhancing the delicate flavors of fresh fish without overwhelming them. Cheeses Fresh Goat Cheese (Chèvre): The tangy, zesty profile of fresh goat cheese is a classic match for high-acid white wines. Comté (Young to Medium-Aged): A firm, nutty cheese that has enough character to stand up to the wine without clashing. Manchego: The salty, savory character of this Spanish sheep’s cheese highlights the fruit and mineral notes in the wine. Desserts Lemon Tart: A dessert with pronounced acidity of its own works beautifully. The wine’s citrus notes will be in perfect harmony with the tart. Almond Cake: A not-too-sweet cake with nutty flavors will complement the subtle roasted nut notes often found in the finish of a complex Furmint. Poached Pears with Ginger: This pairing mirrors the wine’s own flavor profile of pome fruit and ginger spice, creating a seamless and elegant conclusion to a meal. vegetarian Starters White Asparagus with Hollandaise Sauce: A classic European pairing. The wine’s acidity cuts beautifully through the rich, buttery sauce, while its minerality complements the earthy asparagus. Vietnamese Summer Rolls with a Ginger-Citrus Dip: The fresh herbs and the bright, zesty dipping sauce create a perfect flavor bridge to the wine’s aromatic profile. Grilled Halloumi with Lemon and Oregano: The saltiness of the cheese and the bright lemon notes are an ideal match for the wine’s saline minerality and high acidity. Main Courses Wild Mushroom Risotto: The earthy flavor of the mushrooms connects to the wine’s volcanic soul, while the acidity cuts through the creaminess of the risotto, keeping the palate fresh. Butternut Squash Tagine with Apricots and Almonds: The wine’s acidity balances the sweetness of the squash and dried fruit, while its spicy and floral notes complement the complex aromatics of the tagine. Grilled Vegetables with Chimichurri: The bright, herbaceous, and slightly acidic chimichurri sauce is a fantastic match for the wine’s zesty and herbal character. Cheeses Fresh Goat Cheese (Chèvre): The tangy, zesty profile of fresh goat cheese is a classic match for high-acid white wines. Comté (Young to Medium-Aged): A firm, nutty cheese that has enough character to stand up to the wine without clashing. Manchego: The salty, savory character of this Spanish sheep’s cheese highlights the fruit and mineral notes in the wine. Desserts Lemon Tart: A dessert with pronounced acidity of its own works beautifully. The wine’s citrus notes will be in perfect harmony with the tart. Almond Cake: A not-too-sweet cake with nutty flavors will complement the subtle roasted nut notes often found in the finish of a complex Furmint. Poached Pears with Ginger: This pairing mirrors the wine’s own flavor profile of pome fruit and ginger spice, creating a seamless and elegant conclusion to a meal.