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The Royal Tokaji Wine Company Royal Tokaji Late Harvest (500) 2018-Dessert, Sherry & Port-World Wine
The Royal Tokaji Wine Company Royal Tokaji Late Harvest (500) 2018
$35
Tokaji, often referred to as the "Wine of Kings and the King of Wines," holds a special place in the annals of viticulture. Originating from the northeastern region of Hungary and a small part of Slovakia, these wines have been captivating enthusiasts for centuries. Historically, European royals and aristocrats held Tokaji wines in high regard, with Louis XIV of France famously singing its praises. The region's unique climate, characterized by long sunny days and misty mornings, aids in the development of the noble rot, which concentrates the sweetness and flavors in the grapes. This results in wines with unparalleled complexity and depth. Tokaji wines, beyond their sweetness, are noted for their vibrant acidity, ensuring they remain fresh and invigorating. With layers of dried fruit, honey, and spices, they offer a tasting experience that transcends the ordinary, connecting modern-day enthusiasts to a storied past.
Tokaji, often referred to as Tokaj in international circles, is a historic wine region located in northeastern Hungary and a small part of southeastern Slovakia. Famed as one of the world's oldest classified wine regions, Tokaji has been producing wines since the 12th century. With its volcanic hills, rich mineral soils, and unique climate influenced by the Tisza and Bodrog rivers, Tokaji offers an ideal terroir for winemaking. Moreover, the region has earned a UNESCO World Heritage site status due to its extensive vineyard landscape and long-standing winemaking traditions.
Tokaji wines are revered for their exceptional quality and unique characteristics, particularly their sweet wines which are considered among the world's finest. The renowned Tokaji Aszú, made from botrytized grapes, is a testament to the region's prowess in producing lusciously sweet wines with a balancing acidity. While some of these prestigious wines, especially the older vintages or those with higher "puttonyos" ratings (indicating sweetness), can fetch premium prices, Tokaji also produces a range of wines that are quite affordable. From dry Furmint wines to the semi-sweet late harvest varieties, Tokaji caters to varied tastes and budgets.
Tokaji's distinction in the wine world is not just due to its historic past, but also its unique combination of terroir, microclimate, and indigenous grape varieties. The morning mists that rise from the confluence of the Tisza and Bodrog rivers create an ideal environment for the development of noble rot (botrytis cinerea), essential for the region's iconic sweet wines. The volcanic soils impart a distinctive minerality to the wines, enhancing their complexity. Furthermore, the use of indigenous grape varieties like Furmint and Hárslevelű adds to the uniqueness of Tokaji wines, producing flavors and aromas not found in any other wine region.
While Tokaji produces a range of wines, it is most celebrated for its sweet wines, particularly the Tokaji Aszú. Crafted from grapes affected by noble rot, this wine is rich, luscious, and incredibly complex, often exhibiting flavors of apricot, honey, saffron, and more, all underscored by a vibrant acidity. The aging potential of Tokaji Aszú is remarkable, with well-preserved bottles lasting for decades, if not centuries. The region's dry wines, primarily made from the Furmint grape, are also gaining recognition for their crispness, minerality, and versatility in food pairing.
Selecting the "best" wines from Tokaji largely hinges on personal preferences, but some producers have historically stood out. The Royal Tokaji Wine Company, for instance, has been pivotal in reviving and promoting the region's wines on the international stage. Other notable names include Disznókő, Oremus, and Szepsy. Each of these producers offers a range of Tokaji wines, from the intensely sweet Aszú to the crisply refreshing dry Furmint, showcasing the breadth and depth of this iconic wine region. Exploring Tokaji's offerings is akin to delving into a treasure trove of vinicultural history and innovation.