Royal Tokaji Dry Furmint 2020
The first Tokaji aszú wine was created in the 1600s perhaps by accident — a harvest delayed by threat of enemy invasion. In 1700, Tokaj became the first European region to have its vineyards classified — its uniquely varied terroirs and climates rated “primae classis, secundae classis, tertius classis,” or “first growth, second growth, third growth,” by Prince Rakoczi II of Transylvania. This classification system is still used in Hungary today.
Quality production ended with the Communist Party takeover of Hungarian winemaking. Aszú grapes were used for mass production in factories, with vineyard distinctions lost in giant tanks. Tokaj’s renaissance began after the collapse of communism with the establishment of Royal Tokaji in 1990 by well-known author Hugh Johnson and a small group of investors, who were inspired to restore and preserve Hungary’s precious wine legacy.
Situated along the southern slopes of the Zemplén Mountains, Tokaj is characterized by late springs and short growing seasons. The average temperatures are generally cool, with long, sunny summers and dry autumns. Tokaj’s soil is largely clay or loess with a volcanic substratum.
The meeting of the Tisza and Bodrog Rivers in Tokaj creates a mist similar to that of the fog in Sauternes. The mist encourages botrytis cinerea, or noble rot, which dries and shrivels the grapes that comprise Tokaji wines and concentrates the sugars. Grapes that are infected with botrytis are commonly referred to by the Hungarian term aszú.
By law, only white grape varieties are allowed to be planted in Tokaj. There are three primary grapes grown here and used by Royal Tokaji:
Furmint (FOOR’-mint): 70 percent of the regions plantings; high levels of tartaric acid, thin skin susceptible to botrytis
Hárslevelü (HARSH’-leh-veh-LOO’): 20 percent of the plantings; less susceptible to botrytis, but rich in sugar and aromas; “Hárslevelü” translates to “linden leaf”
Muscat de Lunel: 10 percent of the plantings; the most difficult grape to grow, but an important blending grape
A fresh, crisp wine showing all the fine qualities of the unique Furmint grape. Aromas of apple and pear combine with flavors of ripe apricot and peach to produce a sleek, intense dry wine with a long, refreshing finish. This wine is delicious as an aperitif, ideal with oysters, seafood and white meats, but partners equally well with spicy dishes and fried foods. Versatile is the word!
Royal Tokaj has captivated kings and queens for centuries with its extraordinary sweet wines. Revered for its unmatched quality, these wines continue to age gracefully, while dry Furmint wines, gaining in popularity, offer a fresh and vibrant expression of the region's unique terroir.
The region, with its 400-plus extinct volcanoes, is depicted on the label of this 2020 Dry Furmint. This volcanic soil and hilly topography are critical to the expression of Furmint in this wine.
