Tokaji

Tokaj is a legendary Hungarian wine region, considered one of the oldest and most prestigious producers of sweet wines in the world. Located in the northeastern part of Hungary near the Slovakian border, the region is celebrated for its unique terroir, volcanic soils, and exceptional climatic conditions that enable the development of noble rot (Botrytis cinerea) — the essential element behind the creation of the world-renowned Tokaji Aszú wines.

The history of Tokaj dates back to at least the 17th century, when the first Aszú wines became symbols of royalty and prestige — earning the famous phrase: “Wine of kings, king of wines.” In 1737, Tokaj became the world’s first officially classified wine region, setting a standard for quality and origin protection.

The main white grape varieties grown here are ‘Furmint’, ‘Hárslevelű’, and ‘Sárgamuskotály’ (Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains). These grapes thrive in the region’s microclimate, where warm days and cool, misty autumns allow the development of botrytis, concentrating sugar, acidity, and aroma compounds to achieve perfect balance.

The soils, composed of volcanic rock, clay, and tuff, give Tokaj wines their distinctive minerality and impressive aging potential. This combination ensures that even the sweetest Tokaji Aszú wines remain vibrant, balanced, and naturally fresh.