Tokaji Flashcards
Name some important international investors who were responsible for revitalizing Tokaji in the 1990s.
AXA
Vega Sicilia
Hugh Johnson
What are the two important rivers that contribute to Tokaji’s humid environment?
Tisza
Bodrog
What is the predominant soil type in Tokaji? What does it contribute to the vines and the cellars of the region?
Volcanic—specifically nyirok
Vines can dig deep to find water and nutrients in soft bedrock; also ideal for digging cellars
What are Tokaji’s main disease concerns?
Powdery mildew
Grey rot
What are the average yields for Aszú berries in Tokaji?
2-3 hl/ha
There are 6 permitted varieties in Tokaji. What are the three most important?
Furmint
Hárslevelü
Sárga Muskotály (Muscat Blanc à Petit Grains)
Why is Furmint most prized for the production of sweet wines in Tokaji?
It retains high levels of acidity, is susceptible to botrytis (even though it has thick skins), and it naturally accumulates high levels of sugar
What is the minimum requirement for aging Aszú?
18 mos in oak
What is Eszencia?
Wines made from only the free run juice of Aszú berries
What is the legal sugar minimum of Eszencia?
450 g/L
What is Szamorodni?
Wine made from whole bunches of grapes with varying amounts of healthy and botrytized grapes; can be sweet or dry; seen as a more “authentic” style of Tokaji wine than late harvest
What characterizes dry Szamorodni?
It is aged under a thin film of flor yeast for up to 10 yrs without topping up
What steps have producers taken in Tokaji to increase the quality of their dry wines?
Only using healthy grapes (no botrytis)
Planting vyds on higher, windier sites above fog zone
Using more open canopies and better vine treatments to prevent rot
What is the grape growing culture like in Tokaji?
Most holdings are very small (1-2ha) and many growers have contracts with larger producers
