Tokaj - Wines
Tokaji Aszú
Tokaji Aszú is the crown jewel of the Tokaj wine region and one of the most famous sweet wines in the world. Made from grapes affected by noble rot (Botrytis cinerea), Tokaji Aszú is renowned for its rich flavors of apricot, honey, and dried fruits, balanced by bright acidity. The sweetness of the wine is measured in puttonyos, ranging from 3 to 6 puttonyos, with higher numbers indicating sweeter wines. This complex wine has a remarkable ability to age for decades, developing layers of flavor and depth over time. Tokaji Aszú’s historical significance and unparalleled quality make it a must-try for wine enthusiasts.
Tokaji Eszencia
Tokaji Eszencia is one of the rarest and most concentrated sweet wines in the world. Made exclusively from the free-run juice of Aszú grapes, Eszencia is incredibly rich, with sugar levels often exceeding 500 grams per liter. Despite its sweetness, the wine is balanced by high acidity, resulting in a wine with extraordinary intensity and complexity. Eszencia is known for its flavors of honey, dried fruits, and spices, with a syrupy texture and a lingering finish. Due to its labor-intensive production and rarity, Tokaji Eszencia is often considered a collector’s item and is best enjoyed in small sips.
Dry Furmint
While Tokaj is best known for its sweet wines, the region also produces outstanding dry wines, particularly from the Furmint grape. Dry Furmint is characterized by its high acidity, minerality, and flavors of green apple, pear, and citrus, often with a smoky or flinty undertone. The wine’s crisp, refreshing profile makes it an excellent pairing with a variety of foods, from seafood to creamy dishes. In recent years, dry Furmint has gained recognition as a world-class white wine, showcasing the versatility and potential of Tokaj’s terroir beyond sweet wine production.
Tokaji Szamorodni
Tokaji Szamorodni is a traditional wine style in the Tokaj region, made from partially botrytized grapes. The name Szamorodni means 'as it comes,' reflecting the practice of harvesting whole bunches of grapes with varying levels of botrytis. Szamorodni can be produced in both dry (száraz) and sweet (édes) styles, depending on the amount of botrytized grapes. The dry version is often oxidative, with flavors of nuts, dried fruits, and spices, while the sweet version shares similarities with Tokaji Aszú but with a lighter, more approachable profile. Szamorodni offers a fascinating glimpse into the traditional winemaking methods of the Tokaj region.
Late Harvest Tokaji
Late Harvest Tokaji is a more modern style that offers an accessible introduction to the sweet wines of the region. Made from grapes that are partially affected by botrytis but harvested earlier than those for Tokaji Aszú, these wines are typically lighter and less concentrated. Late Harvest Tokaji is known for its flavors of honey, peach, and citrus, with a balanced sweetness and a fresh finish. This wine is often enjoyed as a dessert wine or paired with lighter dishes like fruit tarts and soft cheeses. Its approachable style makes it popular among both novice and experienced wine drinkers.
Hárslevelű
Hárslevelű is another key grape variety in Tokaj, often used in both dry and sweet wine production. Known for its floral aromas and rich texture, Hárslevelű-based wines offer flavors of linden blossom, honey, and tropical fruits. When made into dry wines, Hárslevelű has a fuller body and can develop complex flavors with age, making it an excellent complement to richer dishes. In sweet wine production, Hárslevelű adds aromatic complexity and a rounder mouthfeel to blends with Furmint. This versatile grape plays an important role in defining the character of Tokaj wines.