The sweet wine of Hungary is known as Tokaji, pronounced as “toke-EYE.” This classic dessert wine has a rich history that dates back to the early 17th century when Hungarian winemakers first discovered the potential of grapes infected with the Botrytis fungus.
Tokaji wine is made from a combination of late-harvested grapes and grapes affected by the noble rot, a beneficial form of Botrytis. This fungus causes the grapes to shrivel and concentrate their sugars, resulting in a lusciously sweet and complex wine.
The Tokaji wine region, located in northeastern Hungary, is renowned for its unique climate and terroir, which are ideal for the production of these sweet wines. The region experiences long, sunny autumns with cool, misty mornings, creating the perfect conditions for the development of noble rot.
The most famous and traditional style of Tokaji wine is known as Tokaji Aszú. This wine is made from a blend of late-harvested Furmint, Hárslevelű, and Muscat grapes, which are hand-picked berry by berry. The grapes affected by noble rot, called “aszú berries,” are individually selected and added to a base wine, creating a sweet and concentrated elixir.
The sweetness of Tokaji Aszú is measured in “puttonyos,” which indicates the amount of aszú berries added to the base wine. The higher the number of puttonyos, the sweeter and more concentrated the wine will be. The range typically varies from 3 to 6 puttonyos, with 6 puttonyos being the sweetest and most luxurious.
Tokaji Aszú wines offer a wide range of flavors and aromas, including honey, apricot, orange peel, and spice. They are known for their incredible complexity, balancing sweetness with vibrant acidity, and a long, lingering finish. These wines have the ability to age gracefully for many years, developing even more depth and complexity over time.
Aside from Tokaji Aszú, there are other styles of Tokaji wine worth exploring. Tokaji Szamorodni is a style that includes both dry and sweet versions. It is made from a blend of botrytized and non-botrytized grapes, resulting in a wine that can range from off-dry to fully sweet.
Tokaji Eszencia is the rarest and most precious style of Tokaji wine. It is made solely from the free-run juice of aszú berries, resulting in an incredibly sweet and concentrated elixir. It is often referred to as the “nectar of the gods” and is typically enjoyed in tiny quantities due to its intense sweetness.
In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in Tokaji wines, with winemakers experimenting with new styles and techniques. Some producers are crafting dry Tokaji wines, showcasing the region's unique terroir and grape varieties in a different light.
The sweet wine of Hungary, Tokaji, is a true treasure of the wine world. Its rich history, unique production methods, and extraordinary flavors make it a must-try for any wine enthusiast. Whether you prefer the classic Tokaji Aszú or want to explore the other styles, you are sure to be captivated by the complexity and sweetness of these exceptional wines.