COLOUR
Red
TYPE
Still
VINTAGE
2020
GRAPE
Petite Sirah
PRODUCER
Szabo Vineyards
REGION
California
CHARACTERISTICS
Body
Full
Sweetness
Dry
Acidity
Medium - High
Finish
Medium - Long
Intensity
Pronounced
Tannins
High
AROMAS & FLAVOURS
ABOUT THIS WINE
Szabo Vineyards is a family-owned estate located in Nevada County, within California's historic Sierra Foothills. Founded by Alex (Sándor) Szabo, the winery reflects a deep Hungarian winemaking heritage dating back to 1780. The estate spans 40 acres, with 15 acres of hand-tended vineyards planted on rocky, well-draining soils at high elevations. This unique terroir benefits from a mountain effect, where cool evening breezes from the Sierra Nevada create a dramatic diurnal temperature shift. Alex Szabo operates as a purist, focusing on single-varietal expressions that emphasize structure, balance, and restraint, rather than multi-grape blending.
ALCOHOL
14.5%
AVG. PRICE
€34
STYLE
Classic
SULPHITES
YES
When to drink
Now or Later
Ideal temperature
16-18°C
INTERESTING FACTS
Fact 01
Founder Alex Szabo's family winemaking roots date back to 1780 in Hungary.
Fact 02
The winery operates in a passive solar facility built directly into a southwestern hillside.
Fact 03
The estate's tasting bar is crafted from salvaged red gum eucalyptus trees from Berkeley's Tilden Park.
FOOD PAIRING
Read more
WINE MAKING PROCESS
The estate-grown Petite Sirah is crafted using sustainable viticultural practices that protect local air, soil, and wildlife. The grapes are hand-harvested and processed in a state-of-the-art, custom-built 'Hillside Solar Winery.' This passive solar facility is engineered directly into the southwestern hillside of the estate, naturally maintaining constant cellar temperatures year-round without external power. Winemaker Alex Szabo focuses on single-varietal vinification to showcase the pure expression of the estate's terroir, targeting a structured, European-influenced style designed for long-term aging.
