C24 - Tokaj Flashcards
Where is the region of Tokaj?
In the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains in the far north east of Hungary and close to the Slovakian border
Describe the climate of Tokaj
Moderate continental
Where are the best vineyards of Tokaj located?
On hillside slopes with southerly aspects
How are the conditions created for noble rot to develop in Tokaj?
By the Bodrog and Tisza rivers and their many tributaries They generate the necessary early morning humidity
What are the three principal grape varieties used for the creation of Tokaji?
Furmint
Hárslevelű
Sárga Muskotály
What is the most widely planted variety used in the making of Tokaji?
Furmint
Describe Hungarian wines made from Furmint
Concentrated, high acid wines Flavours of apples when young Nuts and honey when aged
What is the principal grape variety used for Aszú wines?
Furmint
Why is Furmint better known for Aszú wines than dry wines?
Due to its late-ripening and susceptibility to botrytis
What does Hárslevelű contribute to a blend? Is it early or late-ripening?
Perfume Late-ripening
By what more common name is Sárga Muskotály known?
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
What is Sárga Muskotály used for in blends?
Its aromatic qualities
What styles are Tokaji made into?
Sweet wines Dry wines
What is unique about completed Tokaji wines?
Sweet wines are sold in 50cl bottles (dry are in 75cl bottles)
Describe a producer’s output during an average vintage in Tokaj
Depending on the degree of noble rot development, a producer will often make a number of different styles
How do producers allow for different styles in Tokaj?
They may separate the grapes into three different categories during the harvest
What is the Hungarian name for rotten grapes?
Aszú
How will appropriate grapes be separated during harvest in Hungary?
Pickers will pass through the vineyards several times, selecting individual aszú grapes
The remainder will be picked separately
What does Szamorodni mean?
‘As it comes’
What is Szamorodni?
It involves picking bunches partially affected by noble rot
What is the role of dry Tokaji wines unaffected by botrytis?
Gaining in importance
Allows producers to make wine when noble rot is less rife
Describe the range of styles of dry Tokaji
From simple, unoaked, early-drinking wines to more concentrated, age-worthy blends, which are often fermented and matured in new oak