The Tokaj wine region in Hungary is situated in the northeastern part of the country, along the border with Slovakia. It is one of the oldest wine regions in Europe, famous for its sweet and complex white wines.
The region’s viticulture can be traced back to the 12th century when the Tokaj vineyards were mentioned in written sources. The making of Tokaj wines involves a unique grape variety called Furmint, which is grown predominantly in this region. It is either blended with other local grape varieties or used in single varietal wines, depending on the winemaker's style preference.
One of the key factors that make Tokaj wines so distinctive is the influence of a microclimate that is formed by the region’s topography and geography. The area is surrounded by mountains that protect the vineyards from harsh winds and frost and has a humid climate that allows the formation of Botrytis cinerea, a mould that contributes to the sweetness and complexity of the wine.
The most famous wine from the Tokaj region is the Tokaji Aszú, which is made by blending Furmint grapes that have been affected by Botrytis cinerea with the locally-grown Hárslevelű grape variety. The wine’s sweetness is classified according to the number of 'puttonyos', which relates to the amount of grape pulp added to the wine during the winemaking process. Tokaji Aszú is typically produced in small quantities, as the production process is laborious and requires skilled winemakers.
Another unique Tokaj wine is Tokaji Szamorodni, which is made from both Aszú and non-Aszú grape clusters and can be dry or sweet. The wine is aged for several years in oak barrels, which imparts flavors of smoke, vanilla, and spice.
With its long history and unique winemaking techniques, Tokaj is a wine region unlike any other. Its sweet and complex wines are enjoyed by wine enthusiasts all over the world, and it is undoubtedly one of Hungary’s most prized assets to showcase to the world.
Buy Tokaj wine below.
