Tokaj - WSET L3 in Wines

Question 1

Where is Tokaj located?

Answer 1

In the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains, in northeastern Hungary near the Slovakian border.

Question 2

What is Tokaj best known for?

Answer 2

Premium botrytized sweet wines, particularly Tokaji Aszú.

Question 3

What is the climate of Tokaj?

Answer 3

Moderate continental, with hillside slopes and rivers generating the humidity necessary for noble rot.

Question 4

What are the three principal white grape varieties in Tokaj?

Answer 4

Furmint, Hárslevelű, and Sárga Muskotály (Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains).

Question 5

What are the characteristics of Furmint?

Answer 5

High acidity, flavors of apples when young, developing into nuts and honey with age.

Question 6

What is the role of Hárslevelű in Tokaji blends?

Answer 6

Adds perfume and aromatic complexity.

Question 7

What is Sárga Muskotály used for in Tokaj?

Answer 7

Contributes aromatic qualities to the wines.

Question 8

Which grape variety is most susceptible to botrytis in Tokaj?

Answer 8

Furmint, due to its late ripening.

Question 9

What are the main categories of wines produced in Tokaj?

Answer 9

Dry wines, Tokaji Szamorodni, Late Harvest wines, Tokaji Aszú, and Tokaji Eszencia.

Question 10

How are dry Tokaji wines typically made?

Answer 10

Often from Furmint, ranging from simple unoaked styles to concentrated, age-worthy blends.

Question 11

What is Tokaji Szamorodni?

Answer 11

A wine made from partially botrytized bunches, available in dry (száraz) or sweet (édes) styles.

Question 12

What distinguishes Late Harvest wines in Tokaj?

Answer 12

Made from botrytized grapes, fermented similarly to Sauternes, with less maceration than Aszú wines.

Question 13

How is Tokaji Aszú made?

Answer 13

By macerating botrytized berries (aszú) in a base wine before pressing and aging.

Question 14

What determines the sweetness of Tokaji Aszú?

Answer 14

The amount of aszú berries used, traditionally measured in puttonyos.

Question 15

What are the typical flavors of Tokaji Aszú?

Answer 15

High acidity, intense aromas of orange peel, apricot, honey, and sometimes nuts.

Question 16

How is Tokaji Aszú aged?

Answer 16

Traditionally aged in oak for at least 18 months, although aging requirements vary.

Question 17

What is Tokaji Eszencia?

Answer 17

A rare wine made from the free-run juice of aszú berries, with extremely high sugar and low alcohol.

Question 18

What is the minimum residual sugar level for Tokaji Eszencia?

Answer 18

450 g/L.

Question 19

How long can Tokaji Eszencia age?

Answer 19

For over a century, retaining freshness and concentration.

Question 20

What is the minimum residual sugar level for Tokaji Aszú under the 2013 regulations?

Answer 20

120 g/L.

Question 21

What labeling terms replaced the traditional puttonyos system?

Answer 21

Wines are now categorized based on their residual sugar levels and production methods.

Question 22

What is the aging requirement for Tokaji Aszú under modern laws?

Answer 22

At least 18 months in oak.

Question 23

Why are the Bodrog and Tisza Rivers important for Tokaj?

Answer 23

They create the morning humidity needed for noble rot.

Question 24

Where are the best vineyards in Tokaj located?

Answer 24

On hillside slopes with southern aspects.

Question 25

What is the modern trend for Tokaji sweet wines?

Answer 25

Producing less oxidative styles, emphasizing freshness and fruit.

Question 26

What are modern Late Harvest wines?

Answer 26

Typically less sweet than Aszú, often matured for shorter periods.

Question 27

What are the traditional bottle sizes for Tokaji sweet wines?

Answer 27

50 cL bottles.

Question 28

What characterizes the dry wines of Tokaj?

Answer 28

High acidity, flavors of citrus, apple, and minerality, with oak influence in premium examples.

Question 29

What distinguishes Tokaji Aszú from Late Harvest wines?

Answer 29

Tokaji Aszú uses a maceration process, while Late Harvest wines are fermented like Sauternes.

Question 30

What role does oxidation play in traditional Tokaji wines?

Answer 30

Contributes nutty, complex flavors, though modern styles are less oxidative.

Question 31

What are the key aromas of Tokaji Aszú?

Answer 31

Honey, orange peel, apricot, and dried fruits, with a backbone of high acidity.

Question 32

What is the significance of the puttonyos system in Tokaji wines?

Answer 32

Historically indicated the sweetness level based on the number of baskets (puttonyos) of aszú berries added to a base wine.

Question 33

What are the characteristics of Tokaji Szamorodni dry (száraz) wines?

Answer 33

Oxidative, nutty flavors with high acidity, often matured under a film of flor.

Question 34

How does Tokaji Szamorodni sweet (édes) differ from Aszú?

Answer 34

Szamorodni is made from whole bunches with mixed botrytized and healthy grapes, without aszú maceration.

Question 35

What is a defining feature of Tokaji Late Harvest wines?

Answer 35

Typically lower in sugar than Aszú wines, emphasizing fruitiness over botrytis complexity.

Question 36

Why is hand-harvesting critical in Tokaj?

Answer 36

Selective picking ensures only botrytized or perfectly ripe grapes are used for premium wines.

Question 37

How does Furmint’s high acidity benefit Tokaji wines?

Answer 37

Balances the intense sweetness of Aszú and Late Harvest wines, providing freshness and longevity.

Question 38

What are the ideal aging conditions for Tokaji wines?

Answer 38

Cool, dark cellars with high humidity, often carved into volcanic rock.

Question 39

How long does maceration typically last for Tokaji Aszú wines?

Answer 39

12–60 hours, depending on the desired intensity and style.

Question 40

What is the significance of the puttonyos system in traditional Tokaji Aszú production?

Answer 40

It determined the sweetness level by indicating the number of aszú berry baskets added to the base wine.