{"title":"Hungary | Tokaj","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: start;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/files\/Tokaj_Region_Banner.jpg?v=1762762398\" alt=\"Vineyards in the Tokaj Wine Region of Hungary\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTokaj (or Tokaji) is one of the most historically significant and unique wine regions in the world. Located in northeastern Hungary (and a small part of Slovakia), Tokaj is celebrated globally for producing some of the world's most unique and long-lived sweet wines made from the Furmint grape. Its history and distinctive winemaking traditions have earned it protected UNESCO World Heritage status.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTokaj holds the distinction of being the world's first delimited wine region, recognized by a royal decree in 1737 to protect its quality and origin. It became known as the \"Wine of Kings, King of Wines,\" famously beloved by Louis XIV of France and Peter the Great of Russia.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe distinct style of Tokaj's sweet wines is entirely dependent on a natural phenomenon: Botrytis cinerea, or Noble Rot. As Tokaj sits at the confluence of the Tisza and Bodrog rivers, the mist and humidity from these rivers provide the perfect conditions in the autumn for the Noble Rot to form on the grapes. The fungus pierces the grape skin, evaporating the water inside and shriveling the berries into raisins. This concentrates the sugars, acids and flavours, while also adding complex notes of saffron, ginger, and honey. The resultant shriveled grapes are called Aszú berries. These are carefully picked individually, sometimes over several weeks, leading to intensive labour and high production costs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTokaj offers a range of styles, from the intensely sweet and concentrated to highly aromatic dry wines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e1. Tokaji Aszú (The Classic Sweet Wine)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is the region's most famous style and represents the core of its tradition. To produce this style of sweet wine, the hand-picked Aszú berries are crushed into a dough, which is then macerated in a base wine (usually dry Furmint) or must. Historically, the sweetness level was measured in Puttonyos, referencing the number of traditional wooden baskets (puttonyos) of Aszú berries added to a 136-liter barrel of base wine. Modern labeling typically ranges from 3 Puttonyos (medium sweet) to 6 Puttonyos (very sweet and rich). Characterised by incredible complexity and freshness, Tokaji Aszú displays typical flavours that include apricot jam, orange marmalade, honey, tobacco, and mineral notes, balanced by the high, essential acidity that prevents the wine from tasting cloying.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e2. Tokaji Eszencia\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is the rarest and most expensive wine style in the world, often taking decades to ferment due to its extremely high sugar content. Tokaji Eszencia is made purely from the free-run juice of the Aszú berries, collected solely by the grapes' own weight. It is so viscous that it’s often consumed with a spoon rather than a glass. Sugar levels frequently exceed 450 grams per litre. It is a powerful, almost immortal wine, often lasting a century or more.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e3. Dry Furmint\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn recent decades, Tokaj has gained greater recognition for its dry white wines made primarily from the Furmint grape. These wines are intensely mineral, high in acidity and offer structured flavours of pear, lime, and smoke. They are often aged in oak, giving them a rich texture comparable to high-quality white Burgundy or dry Riesling.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"tokaj-oremus-mandolas-dry-furmint","title":"Oremus Mandolás Dry Furmint 2022","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis wine's name comes from the old way of referring to the vineyard from where it comes. Mandolás is one of the Oremus vineyards and it is only planted with Furmint, the noblest grape variety of the region. Oremus Mandolás, made from the grape variety Furmint, has evolved since its first vintage in 2000 and a series of improvements have been taking place across all areas of production. In the vineyard a number of techniques have been implemented including specific plot selection in order to obtain an optimal healthy golden ripe cluster selection. At winery level, changes in new oak barrel toasting used in the fermentation process along with frequent and controlled batonages, restores the minerality of the volcanic soil, characteristic of the region. The manually harvested bunches are gently pressed and fermentation takes place 50 % in new Hungarian oak barrels and 50 % in stainless steel tanks. 70% of the wine is aged in oak barrels for 3 months stirring up the lees every week (\"batonnage\") and for another 3 months in complete peace. Mandolás Furmint is a young, fruity wine with a fresh nose and aroma, yet it has good body and lively acidity.[#intro]This superb dry white is Vega Sicilia's take on Hungary's native grape variety Furmint...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tokaj Oremus","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":22157599899706,"sku":"A22OREMUSFURMINT-1","price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/products\/MandolasBottle.jpg?v=1626780712"},{"product_id":"tokaj-oremus-tokaji-aszu-5-puttonyos","title":"Tokaj Oremus Tokaji Aszú 5 Puttonyos 2017","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Tokaj Oremus wine estate has a long and colourful history, with Tokaji being produced there as early as 1620 by a Calvinist priest called Mate Szepsy Lacko. In 1993, the 33-hectare estate was bought by a Spanish consortium headed by David Álvarez, the owner of Vega Sicilia. The aim at Oremus is to produce Tokaji wines of elegance and balance with perfect harmony between the sweet fruit and natural acidity. The production of Aszú wine (teardrop wine) is a meticulous process only possible in exceptional vintages and under particular conditions which promote the development of \"Botrytis Cinérea\" (noble rot). For hundreds of years it has been made in the same manner, adding to a \"Gönc\" barrel (136 litres) of must, 5 panniers (puttonyos) with 25 kg of noble Aszú berries. Aszú berries are macerated for two days until swelling and later gently pressed. Fermentation takes place in new Hungarian oak barrels; a slow process which can take up to two months. The ageing process is completed in 136 and 200 litre barrels for 2 to 3 years and bottled for an additional year. Citrus, peach and apricot aromas characterise the nose of this Aszú 5 puttonyos 2013; Rich, intense on the palate with a long aftertaste of orange blossom and spices. [#intro]A well-balanced vintage with sweetness taking centre stage \u0026amp; freshness rounding off the overall sensation...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tokaj Oremus","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":22159733194810,"sku":"A17OREMUSTOKAJI5","price":75.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/products\/Tokaj_Aszu_5_2010.jpg?v=1560926421"},{"product_id":"oremus-late-harvest-tokaji","title":"Oremus Late Harvest Tokaji 2022","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe legend of Tokaj has grown and grown in its four-hundred-year history, but it was not until 1630 that the greatness of the Oremus vineyard was first described. Today, it is universally renowned. During the harvest, several passes are made through the vineyard, but only bunches containing at least 50% botrytised grapes are selected. After destemming, the berries are left to macerate for 4-12 hours before pressing, with the emphasis on noble rot. Late Harvest is a very balanced wine made from an interesting blend of different grape varieties. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks for 15-25 days. The wine is then aged in Hungarian oak barrels (called Szerednyei and holding 220 litres) for three months and in the bottle for a 10 month ageing period. The Oremus Late Harvest Tokaji is a harmonious, fresh and silky wine that is very versatile and provides a wide array of possibilities. [#intro]A harmonious, fresh \u0026amp; silky Late Harvest Tokaji from Vega Sicilia's Hungarian outpost...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tokaj Oremus","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40999329431619,"sku":"A22OREMUSLHT","price":31.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/files\/LateHarvestBt.jpg?v=1709664164"},{"product_id":"dobogo-tokaji-aszu-6-puttonyos","title":"Dobogó Tokaji Aszú 6 Puttonyos 2018","description":"\u003cp\u003eDobogó only produce 6 Puttonyos Tokaj Aszú in the best vintages. Tokaj Aszú is made from grapes affected by \"noble rot\", a form of botrytis which dehydrates the grapes and concentrates the sugars, aromas and acidity. The grapes are grown in the 30 year old Dobogó Pincészet, First-Growth vineyards in the volcanic subregion of Mád and Tállya. The vineyards are planted with 60% Furmint, 30% Hárslevelu and 10% Muscat Lunel. Yields for the 6 Puttonyos were restricted to an average of one kilogram of grapes per vine. The Aszú grapes were harvested by hand. After crushing, the sticky must was added to a sweet base wine for one night to macerate, in a ratio of one kilogram of Aszú grapes to one litre of base wine. After pressing, the wine was transferred to large 300-litre oak barrels, part new oak and part used, where it remained for 2-3 years before bottling. The wine spent three more years ageing in the Dobogó’s cellar before release. This Tokaji is deep gold in colour and wonderfully expressive on the nose with notes of dates, mangoes and apricots. On the palate, there are flavours of grapefruit and honey with a great mineral acidity balancing the intense sweetness. [#intro]A truly superb example of why Tokaj is one of the world's great sweet wines...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dobogó","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41076600995907,"sku":"A18DOBOGOTOKAJI6","price":63.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/files\/Tokaji6Bt.jpg?v=1711620666"},{"product_id":"dobogo-tokaji-furmint-white-wine","title":"Dobogó Tokaji Furmint 2021","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Dobogó vineyards are distributed over five hectares in the volcanic heartland of Tokaj, around the village of Mád. These are the first growths of Betsek, St. Tamás, and Úrágya where Furmint, Tokaj’s principle grape, can reveal its truest self, that of a very bold, unique, characteristic, fruity yet very mineral variety. All the grapes were hand harvested before arrival at the winery where they underwent a careful selection. After fermentation, the wine was matured in three year old, 300 litre Hungarian oak barrels for 10 months before bottling. Golden in colour, this wine is regarded as the driest and most mineral Furmints of all Dobogó wines. On the nose, the ripe citrus notes blend with aromas of lime and peach. The palate is dry and characterful, with a continuation of citrus, peach, and peach blossom, that reflect the unique qualities of the Furmint grape. [#intro]An extraordinarily expressive Furmint that offers a superb value alternative to white Burgundy...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dobogó","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41078569435203,"sku":"A21DOBOGOFURMINT-1","price":27.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/files\/DryFurmintBt.jpg?v=1711650865"},{"product_id":"barta-winery-egy-kis-furmint","title":"Barta Winery Egy Kis Furmint 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003eBarta's 'Egy Kis' (meaning ‘little Furmint’ in Hungarian) is the perfect introduction into Hungary’s flagship grape variety, Furmint. A small amount of the juice is fermented in oak barrels, with the remainder in stainless steel tanks. The Barta Egy Kis Furmint displays refreshing pear and lime aromas to the nose. The palate offers incredible purity of fruit, with flavours of yellow plum, green apple and lime, accented by saline minerality. [#intro]Meaning 'little Furmint' in Hungarian, Egy Kis is the perfect introduction to Hungary's flagship grape...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Barta Winery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41177768788035,"sku":"A23BARTAEGYKIS-1","price":17.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/files\/EgykisFurmintBt.jpg?v=1712664641"},{"product_id":"oremus-tokaji-eszencia","title":"Oremus Tokaji Eszencia 2010","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Oremus Tokaji Eszencia is not merely a wine; it is the pure, free-run essence of the Aszú berries, representing the rarest and most concentrated expression of sweet wine in the world. Produced by the prestigious Oremus estate (owned by the Álvarez family of Vega Sicilia fame), the 2010 vintage stands as a testament to their dedication to this historic Hungarian tradition. Due to its incredible concentration, this wine is legally classified as an extraordinary natural product rather than a standard wine, with an alcohol content of just 2.5% and a residual sugar level of 530 grammes per litre. Eszencia is only possible thanks to the unique microclimate of the Tokaj region, which encourages noble rot (Botrytis cinerea). This fungus dehydrates the grapes, concentrating the sugars, acids, and flavours into tiny, shrivelled berries. The berries are collected individually, sometimes one by one, over several passes through the vineyard. The berries are collected into large tubs, and the Eszencia is the precious liquid that slowly seeps out under the pressure of the grapes' own weight, without any mechanical pressing. It is then aged for years in the deep, dark cellars of Oremus, developing its profound complexity. The 2010 Eszencia is liquid history. It is characterised by unbelievable depth, balanced by searing acidity that ensures freshness. Deep, luminous burnished gold in colour the nose offers a complex tapestry of mandarin peel, honey, apricot jam, saffron, passion fruit, and hints of tobacco. On the palate the texture is rich and syrupy, yet the high acidity cuts through the sweetness, providing energy and lift. The finish is virtually endless, leaving notes of dried mango, tea, and caramel. Eszencia is famous for its immense ageing potential, often lasting for decades, if not centuries. [#intro]A legendary rarity, Eszencia is nature's gift, a transcendent nectar of immense complexity \u0026amp; longevity...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tokaj Oremus","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57509410242941,"sku":"A10OREMUSESZENCIA","price":485.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/files\/Eszencia.jpg?v=1765134516"},{"product_id":"oremus-tokaji-aszu-3-puttonyos","title":"Oremus Tokaji Aszú 3 Puttonyos 2016","description":"\u003cp\u003eOremus is the Hungarian project of the legendary Spanish estate, Vega Sicilia, bringing meticulous Spanish rigour to the ancient, volcanic terroirs of Tokaj. This Aszú is one of the world's truly great sweet wines, carrying a history that stretches back hundreds of years, making it a spectacular offering for the discerning collector. The Puttonyos system measures the concentration of the Aszú (botrytised) grapes added to the base wine. While three Puttonyos represents the lighter, more elegant side of the style, Oremus’s concentration and balance ensure this is an intensely rewarding wine with incredible longevity. The nose is intense with complex aromas of dried apricot, orange marmalade, saffron, and acacia honey. On the palate the wine coats the mouth with richness, delivering flavours of citrus peel, dried fruit, and a subtle spiciness. The characteristic of this wine is its brilliant, high acidity, which perfectly counterbalances the sweetness, ensuring a finish that is clean, fresh, and profoundly long. This would be a stunning accompaniment to strong blue cheese (like Stilton), foie gras, or classic fruit tarts. [#intro]Liquid gold from Hungary; concentrated apricot, honey \u0026amp; citrus zest balanced by electrifying acidity...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tokaj Oremus","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57524720894333,"sku":"A16OREMUSASZU3","price":40.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/files\/TokajAszu3.jpg?v=1765132689"},{"product_id":"oremus-tokaji-aszu-6-puttonyos","title":"Oremus Tokaji Aszú 6 Puttonyos 2014","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Oremus Tokaji Aszú 6 Puttonyos represents the pinnacle of the ancient Tokaji tradition. The number '6' signifies that the maximum permissible amount of Aszú berries (those infected with Botrytis cinerea, or noble rot) were painstakingly gathered and added to the base wine. This dedication to density means the wine achieves an unparalleled level of concentration, sweetness, and complexity. As the Hungarian project of Spain's legendary Vega Sicilia, Oremus applies modern precision to this historic process, ensuring perfect balance. The wine spends years maturing in small oak casks in the estate’s extensive network of underground cellars before release, developing its signature complexity. On the palate, this is unctuous and intensely flavoured, yet never cloying. Expect an explosion of crystallised orange peel, gingerbread, figs, and exotic spices. The massive concentration of residual sugar is thrillingly countered by the wine's naturally high acidity, resulting in a finish that lasts for minutes. This is a wine that defines longevity. It can be enjoyed today for its richness, or cellared for decades, where it will develop profound tertiary notes of coffee, tobacco, and mushroom. [#intro]Extraordinary depth, this luxurious Tokaji offers concentrated honey, marmalade, fig, and endless richness...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tokaj Oremus","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57524859470205,"sku":"A14OREMUSASZU6","price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/files\/TokajAszu6.jpg?v=1765133795"},{"product_id":"chateau-dereszla-dry-furmint","title":"Chateau Dereszla Dry Furmint 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003eWhile the Tokaj region is legendary for its sweet wines, the 2023 Dry Furmint from Chateau Dereszla reveals the other side of this historic terroir. Grown on the region’s distinct volcanic soils, this is a white wine of remarkable energy and precision. It offers a razor-sharp profile reminiscent of a fine Chablis but with a unique Hungarian character. Expect vivid aromas of crunchy green apple, white peach, and lime zest, underpinned by a smoky, flinty minerality that speaks directly of the vineyard’s volcanic origins. Bone dry, refreshing, and incredibly versatile, the 2023 vintage is a sophisticated partner for grilled fish, goat cheese salad, or simply as a revitalising aperitif. [#intro]Electric, mineral-driven dry white offering a razor-sharp Hungarian alternative to fine Chablis...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chateau Dereszla","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57788924166525,"sku":"A23DERESZLADRYFURMINT","price":12.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/files\/DryFurmintBottle.jpg?v=1770313545"},{"product_id":"chateau-dereszla-vintage-sparkling-brut","title":"Chateau Dereszla Vintage Sparkling Brut 2020","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe 2020 Vintage Sparkling Brut form Chateau Dereszla is a sophisticated revelation. While the region is famed for its sweet wines, the cool climate and volcanic terroir make it exceptionally suited to producing serious sparkling wine. This vintage Brut is a testament to the estate's unique heritage. Benefitting from the expertise of the d'Aulan family (former owners of Champagne Piper-Heidsieck), this wine is produced using the traditional method (Méthode Traditionnelle) - the same labour-intensive process used in Champagne. It marries the electric, green-apple acidity of the native Furmint grape with the softer, floral aromatics of Hárslevelű. Aged on its lees in historic cellars, the 2020 vintage has developed a fine, persistent mousse and subtle notes of brioche and toasted almond that sit beautifully alongside the fresh fruit. A conversation-starting aperitif. [#intro]Elegant traditional method sparkling wine from Tokaj, blending crisp Furmint fruit with toasty brioche richness...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chateau Dereszla","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57788945301885,"sku":"A20DERESZLASPARKLING","price":22.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/files\/SparklingBT.jpg?v=1770314505"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/collections\/Tokaj_Region_Image.jpg?v=1762762600","url":"https:\/\/hic.wine\/collections\/hungary-tokaj.oembed","provider":"Hic!","version":"1.0","type":"link"}