Hungarian Wines
Hungary’s quality wine reputation is arguably built on the esteemed dessert wines of Tokaj. These rich and mellifluous wines, which are referred to as Tokaji, are the product of botrytis cinerea, or noble rot, a beneficial mold that concentrates the natural sugar levels in grapes. The two principle grapes of the Tokaj region are Furmint and Hárslevelü, with Sárga Muskotály (Muscat Blanc á Petite Grains), Zéta, Kabar and Kövérszolo also authorized, but generally used in smaller proportions. While Tokaj is considered to be Hungary’s most famous wine region, 21 other regions of production exist. These regions are divided among three major zones of production: North Hungary, Transdanubia and the Southern Great Plain. For more information about the wines of Hungary, visit our Wine Reviews.
Patricius 2006 Leonis Aszú 3 Puttonyos Tokaji (Tokaj)
- $23
Almost lacy on the palate, with a crisp, delicate structure, this effortlessly drinkable Tokaji is the perfect introduction to this genre of fine wine. Ebullient with scents of lime skin, white flower and waxy honeycomb, its sweet fig and caramel palate is cut with brisk, pineapple-driven acidity.
— A.I.
(12/1/2012)
Gere Attila 2007 Kopar Cuvée Red (Villány)
- $60
Luscious, ripe black-fruit and sweet spice notes are gorgeous on the nose and palate of this penetrating, yet impeccably structured wine. Rippling minerality and bright acidity balance out the bold flavors, hefty alcohol and big, chunky tannins. This is intense from start to finish.
— A.I.
(12/31/2012)
Vylyan 2008 Pinot Noir (Villány)
- $25
Shades of crushed stone and granite add a penetrating minerality to the ripe, rich raspberry and cherry flavors of this nervy wine. A hint of dried herb and velvety tannins round out the finish that’s long and lingering.
— A.I.
(12/31/2012)
Dobogó 1999 Aszú 6 Puttonyos Tokaji (Tokaji)
- $87
Darker-colored than the 2000, this wine has more orange character on the nose, along with toffee and nutmeg. The wine offers a medium-full body and complex flavors of honey, melon and citrus all delicately spiced, with a hint of almond. The finish is long and spicy, with tropical fruits. Imported by Dreyfus, Ashby & Co.
— W.E.
(6/1/2006)
Oremus 2002 Late Harvest Tokaji (Tokaji)
- $24
Buttery-gold and viscous, this wine offers earthy scents of vanilla and honeyed white fruits, developing more tropical fruit, honey and caramel on the palate. A medium-length finish with citrusy acidity rounds out the wine. Imported by Europvin.
— W.E.
(6/1/2006)
Royal Tokaji 2000 Birsalmás Aszú 5 Puttonyos (Tokaji)
- Online Exclusive
- $54
From a small single vineyard called Birsalmas (Hungarian for quince), this fresh, delicate dessert wine offers elegant flavors of quince (naturally), honey and melon. It’s lively acids keep it light on the palate—refreshing but indulgent.
— S.K.
(12/1/2007)
Royal Tokaji 2003 Aszú 5 Puttonyos (Tokaji)
- Online Exclusive
- $39
Honeyed apricot and orange peel on the nose and palate typify this elegant but playful botrytis wine. The wine’s lively acidity gives it a bounce on the tongue, adding dimension to the citrus components and lending it more to food pairing with desserts or a cheese plate.
— S.K.
(12/1/2007)
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