Royal Tokaji
Royal Tokaji
AboutRoyal Tokaji
Wine writer Hugh Johnson helped establish Royal Tokaji in 1990, bringing together investors and local growers as Hungary’s wine industry emerged from state control. The privately owned winery is based in Mád, where a new purpose-built cellar opened in 2010. Single-vineyard wines have been central from the start, including those from Szent Tamás, Nyulászó, Betsek and Mézes Mály.
Most vineyards lie around Mád, while Mézes Mály is in Tarcal, with clay or loess soils over volcanic subsoil. Autumn mists from the Bodrog and Tisza help create the conditions for noble rot, which concentrates the grapes used for sweet Aszú wines. Furmint is the principal grape, alongside Hárslevelű and Yellow Muscat.
Royal Tokaji 2013 Aszú 5 Puttonyos 250 mL
Hungarian Dessert
Honey and peach lead a delicate, graceful palate, with citrus fruit and gentle spice adding lift and definition. Concentrated sweetness is held in balance by crisp acidity, giving the wine poise rather than heaviness. The finish is elegant, clean and notably persistent. Serve lightly chilled with fruit-based desserts, blue cheese, foie gras or as a small contemplative glass on its own.