Tokaj - WSET L3 in Wines Flashcards
Where is Tokaj located?
In the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains, in northeastern Hungary near the Slovakian border.
What is Tokaj best known for?
Premium botrytized sweet wines, particularly Tokaji Aszú.
What is the climate of Tokaj?
Moderate continental, with hillside slopes and rivers generating the humidity necessary for noble rot.
What are the three principal white grape varieties in Tokaj?
Furmint, Hárslevelű, and Sárga Muskotály (Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains).
What are the characteristics of Furmint?
High acidity, flavors of apples when young, developing into nuts and honey with age.
What is the role of Hárslevelű in Tokaji blends?
Adds perfume and aromatic complexity.
What is Sárga Muskotály used for in Tokaj?
Contributes aromatic qualities to the wines.
Which grape variety is most susceptible to botrytis in Tokaj?
Furmint, due to its late ripening.
What are the main categories of wines produced in Tokaj?
Dry wines, Tokaji Szamorodni, Late Harvest wines, Tokaji Aszú, and Tokaji Eszencia.
How are dry Tokaji wines typically made?
Often from Furmint, ranging from simple unoaked styles to concentrated, age-worthy blends.
What is Tokaji Szamorodni?
A wine made from partially botrytized bunches, available in dry (száraz) or sweet (édes) styles.
What distinguishes Late Harvest wines in Tokaj?
Made from botrytized grapes, fermented similarly to Sauternes, with less maceration than Aszú wines.
How is Tokaji Aszú made?
By macerating botrytized berries (aszú) in a base wine before pressing and aging.
What determines the sweetness of Tokaji Aszú?
The amount of aszú berries used, traditionally measured in puttonyos.
What are the typical flavors of Tokaji Aszú?
High acidity, intense aromas of orange peel, apricot, honey, and sometimes nuts.
How is Tokaji Aszú aged?
Traditionally aged in oak for at least 18 months, although aging requirements vary.
What is Tokaji Eszencia?
A rare wine made from the free-run juice of aszú berries, with extremely high sugar and low alcohol.
What is the minimum residual sugar level for Tokaji Eszencia?
450 g/L.
How long can Tokaji Eszencia age?
For over a century, retaining freshness and concentration.
What is the minimum residual sugar level for Tokaji Aszú under the 2013 regulations?
120 g/L.
What labeling terms replaced the traditional puttonyos system?
Wines are now categorized based on their residual sugar levels and production methods.
What is the aging requirement for Tokaji Aszú under modern laws?
At least 18 months in oak.
Why are the Bodrog and Tisza Rivers important for Tokaj?
They create the morning humidity needed for noble rot.
Where are the best vineyards in Tokaj located?
On hillside slopes with southern aspects.
What is the modern trend for Tokaji sweet wines?
Producing less oxidative styles, emphasizing freshness and fruit.
What are modern Late Harvest wines?
Typically less sweet than Aszú, often matured for shorter periods.
What are the traditional bottle sizes for Tokaji sweet wines?
50 cL bottles.
What characterizes the dry wines of Tokaj?
High acidity, flavors of citrus, apple, and minerality, with oak influence in premium examples.
What distinguishes Tokaji Aszú from Late Harvest wines?
Tokaji Aszú uses a maceration process, while Late Harvest wines are fermented like Sauternes.
What role does oxidation play in traditional Tokaji wines?
Contributes nutty, complex flavors, though modern styles are less oxidative.
What are the key aromas of Tokaji Aszú?
Honey, orange peel, apricot, and dried fruits, with a backbone of high acidity.
What is the significance of the puttonyos system in Tokaji wines?
Historically indicated the sweetness level based on the number of baskets (puttonyos) of aszú berries added to a base wine.
What are the characteristics of Tokaji Szamorodni dry (száraz) wines?
Oxidative, nutty flavors with high acidity, often matured under a film of flor.
How does Tokaji Szamorodni sweet (édes) differ from Aszú?
Szamorodni is made from whole bunches with mixed botrytized and healthy grapes, without aszú maceration.
What is a defining feature of Tokaji Late Harvest wines?
Typically lower in sugar than Aszú wines, emphasizing fruitiness over botrytis complexity.
Why is hand-harvesting critical in Tokaj?
Selective picking ensures only botrytized or perfectly ripe grapes are used for premium wines.
How does Furmint’s high acidity benefit Tokaji wines?
Balances the intense sweetness of Aszú and Late Harvest wines, providing freshness and longevity.
What are the ideal aging conditions for Tokaji wines?
Cool, dark cellars with high humidity, often carved into volcanic rock.
How long does maceration typically last for Tokaji Aszú wines?
12–60 hours, depending on the desired intensity and style.
What is the significance of the puttonyos system in traditional Tokaji Aszú production?
It determined the sweetness level by indicating the number of aszú berry baskets added to the base wine.
