The first snowflakes have fallen, and it is no longer dark outside. How would you feel about sitting at a cozy fireplace and enjoying a glass of Tokaji Aszú, a drink that is globally among the most prestigious wines?

It ain't no harder to produce a wine as this one, still, it is so much more affordable compared to other famous botrytized wines of the world such as Sauternes or the Trockenbeerenausleese from Mosel.

Today, December 10th is the day to celebrate this iconic dessert wine also called “Wine of Kings and King of Wines” by Louis XIV of France.

But what exactly stands behind this special drink with a very unique production method?

This is what we want to explore together with you.

What Exactly is Tokaj Aszú?

Tokaj, first of all,  is a region in northeastern Hungary, and it is the oldest classified wine region in the world, dating back to 1737. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tokaj is a lovely place with volcanic soils and an ideal climate to grow mostly white grape varieties with Furmint, Hárslevelű, and Sárgamuskotály (commonly known as Yellow Muscat) being the most prominent ones.

The keyword with Aszú is Botrytis cinerea, which is also known as noble rot. This beneficial fungus concentrates the sugars and flavors in the grapes so that the outcome will be a lusciously sweet wine with hints of beeswax.

Whereas the grape berries do not have a nice look, the taste of those is even more impressive.

The drawback with the production process is that it is quite time-intensive since botrytized berries (Aszú berries) are hand-harvested, each one by one. Most often this work is done by the local old ladies who still have the patience to work hours and ours picking those berries separately. In former times those berries were carefully selected in the so-called “Puttonyos”.

Later, the Aszú berries are macerated with a base wine or the grape must. After, the wine is aged in small oak barrels in the region's stunning underground cellars with a lusciously sweet wine as result, that offers layers of honey, dried apricots, citrus peel, and vibrant acidity creating the balance in an otherwise very sweet wine.

Why December 10th?

Traditionally, this is when Tokaj Aszú wine enters its final stages of production. By now the wine has typically undergone fermentation and is beginning its maturation in barrels.

Wine enthusiasts also use this day to toast the legacy of Tokaj Aszú and to educate the world about its unique qualities.

The Unique Qualities of Tokaj Aszú

Tokaj Aszú is so much different compared to other dessert wines for several reasons:

The Sweetness and Acidity Balance

Despite its sweetness, in Tokaj Aszú you will always get a remarkable balance, as the varieties used for its production are naturally high in acidity.

Aging Potential

Tokaj Aszú wines have an amazing aging potential thanks to this balance. Some bottles can develop beautifully for decades, with flavors evolving into more complex layers of caramel, walnuts, and spices.

Puttonyos System

The sweetness of Tokaj Aszú is measured in "Puttonyos," a system that traditionally indicates the amount of “Puttony”s (bottiches of 25kg capacity) filled with Aszú berries added to one Gönci barrel (136,5 liter) with the base wine.

Back in a few years,  you could still find 3 and 4 Puttonyos on the label, current regulations only allow 5 and 6 Puttonyos, with the higher number indicating higher sugar levels. Many producers refuse to write any number on it but prefer to simply write “Aszú” as sugar levels are usually higher than the minimum level to be allowed to name it Aszú 5 or 6.

Cultural and Historical Significance

Tokaj Aszú's history is rooted in Hungarian culture and European royal traditions. It has been enjoyed at the tables of monarchs, served at state dinners, and even referenced in literary works.

Celebrate International Tokaj Aszú Day in the Right Manner

Open a Bottle

It doesn't matter if you are a Tokaj wine expert or not, today is the best excuse to pop up a bottle of Tokaji Aszú. If you'd like a special treat, try to pair it with foie gras, blue cheese, or a rich cottage cheese apricot dessert to experience its full potential.

Visit the Tokaj Region

The best way to immerse yourself in the wine culture is to visit this beautiful region as it offers an unforgettable experience. Tour the historic vineyards, explore the labyrinthine cellars, and learn about the winemaking process from those passionate producers from over there.

Host a Tasting

Sharing your precious moments with friends and family always makes it more fun. So why don't you organize a tasting, where each one brings a different bottle from a different producer or vintage? This allows you to discuss the flavor profiles, share the history, and toast to this golden nectar.

Share the Celebration Online

Use social media platforms to share your Tokaj Aszú experience. Post photos, share tasting notes, and use hashtags like #InternationalTokajAszuDay and #TokajAszu to join the global conversation.

A Toast to Tokaji Aszú

Tokaji Aszú is not just a drink, there is way more in your glass, it's a story of tradition, dedication, and passion. From the vineyards of Hungary to wine glasses around the world, it continues to inspire and delight.

So what else can we say? Cheers! Or as they say in Hungary,

Egészségedre!

Lotte Gabrovits