Szepsy is THE best aszú producer! :) But if you’re interested in szamorodni wines, try Balassa! The best dry furmint producer is Erzsébet Pince (with Ronn Wiegand MW/MS) for sure. But all of the “big names” like Disznókő, Oremus, Pajzos, Hétszőlő and Royal Tokaji are perfect. If you need a “hidden gem” try Gizella Pince, Majoros Pince or my new fav Palkó Pince from Abaújszántó village!
GREAT recommendations! If any Hungarians make it here I highly recommend the channel above. The host, Daniel, is one of the best palates I have ever tasted with - and that’s not just lip service.
There are some hidden gems from the smaller wineries… found a few treasures that can only be purchased on spot… tasting from the barrel and they fill your bottles on the spot ♥️ Balassa is from Erdobenye if I am correct 🙏🏻 still have to go there… but I agree, their szamorodni is magic
Tokaj is one of my favorite wine regions and they do it all, dry, off-dry, semi-sweet, Aszu & Essencia and pezsgo (sparking). I think that their dry whites are amazing and you can get single vineyard ones for around or under 20 US$/Euros. It's very hard to choose a "favorite", as they are all so good. Some ones that stick out are Chateau Dereszla, Grof Degenfeld and a small family producer; Himesudvar. Royal Tokaji is the biggest and might have the best QPR, (or not). Decanter these days seems quite enamoured with Juliet Victor, but I haven't tried any yet. Our visit to Tokaj in 2016 was pretty amazing, those deep cellars and the grey mold on the wall and tasting the 2001 Himesudvar Essencia. I concur that Tokaj Aszu is better than Sauternes & better value for money than German B.A.s and TBAs. Fun fact: did you know that Tokaj and it's wines are in the Hungarian national anthem? Pretty cool, no? Maybe one day I can try Szepsy's wines, one can always dream.
Julie Victor are pretty good but priced high. Dry Tokajis are rapidly rising in price unfortunately. My favorite estate for price quality is Erzsebet Pince - one of the family members is married to a MW/MS.
First time I tried tokaji wine, it was out of curiosity. Then I become hooked and moved to the azsu. I prefer to drink it while eating game meat with risotto, goes quite well with it. Unfortunately, the selection of tokaji azsu wine is very limited in my area. It's a shame that not more are exported out to the world.
My first wine ever was a 70s Tokaj. Thanks for getting some memories back Dr.! And big Thanks everybody for the useful comments, I should get my Magyar wine list updated asap! Last one I had was a Juhfark Borszorcsok, it's rather difficult to get local wines outside of Hungary.
My first experience with Tokaji - Sauska Tokaji Aszu 6 puttonyos 2003. Man, I might have to put aside my love for sauternes for this. Main difference to me is that its much less oaky/bitter compared with sauternes. It is definitely sweeter and more concentrated, yet there is a smooth refinement to it that actually trades complexity for clarity and depth.
Always looking forward to videos about sweet wines, such an underrated style and not much discussed on TH-cam. I'm not very experienced with sweet wines but Tokaj is my favourite so far, but I just bought a Sauternes recently, maybe it's a good occasion to try it today.
Whenever I see Tokaji in the store or online, I always pray that the good ones ( single vineyard(s) and good vintage(s)) doesn't get snapped up ( let the majority go for Icewine or regular table wines haha). Whenever I hear uncles, and aunties say " I only drink red wines. Sweet wines are blah blah", I open up a Sauternes or Tokaji Aszu just to shut their mouths ( except if they have health issues). I really like Tokaji Aszus.because the quality, and passion that producers put in each bottle yet the price doesn't empty my wallet. these few years I've been stocking up excellent to legendary vintages while I can afford( 2007, 2008, 2013, 2016, 2017). As for producers it really depends on personal preference but I had Royal Tokai, Oremus, Disznoko, Puklus Pince, Grof Degenfeld, and Dereszla ( not my preference). I just hope the price doesn't suddenly shoot up like a rocket. If it does, I'm glad that I stocked up.
ohhh those are all nice producers indeed! Tokaji is one of the world's great, under appreciated, underpriced wines indeed! I agree, everyone that I give sweet tokaji to, loves it.
I found my love for wine through Hungarian wine (and your channel), but not with the sweet wines. Took me about a year or so into my wine journey to start to truly appreciate sweet wines and Im very happy that Hungary produces the best sweet wines in the world. Szepsy Aszu paired with foie gras is my favourite appetiser of all time. I live in Europe and have a pretty nice stock of sweet tokaji in my cellar. Ill keep a few bottles for you ;)
Wahhhhhhh that is sooo great to hear. I love Sweet Tokaji, among my favorite styles of wine int he world. Thanks so much. What producers do you have????
Never had the honor to try Szepsy's wines sadly. I just got my hands on the Harslevelu, Furmint and Aszu of Bott Pince. Their 2019 Csontos Furmint is great, their 2017 Aszu is magical!
I've watched a couple of your Tokaj videos! Now I want to try a bottle. Is Disznókó Tokaji Aszú Eszencia 2007 a good one to try? It is $475 unfortunately but available on vivino. Thanks for your input!
For sweet wines, I’ve only tried Oremus Late Harvest, BUT I’m going to a Royal Tokaji Co. tasting tonight with the winemaker, so this got me pumped up!!! I’ve also had the Tokaji Furmint Sec from Királyudvar, which is one of my all time favorite white wines! Loved both wines so can’t wait to try more!
One of the best days of my “wine life” was a taste that included a vertical of Vega Sicília and a bottle of Oremus 6 puttonyos! Since that experience , I’ve been a fan of tokaji! Great video and I agree that tokajy is one of the greats !
VS Unico probably the red best wine I ever had. Wife and I were in Pittsburgh, at a Hungarian Restaurant, 6-8 months ago. Started talking to the owner about Hungarian wines (I was in the wine business 40+ years,). She treated me to a glass of Tokay. 4,? Puttonyos. Hadn't had it for a while. My wife NEVER had it. Great surprise for BOTH of us!!
If you had to choose between a Quinta Do Noval 20 year old Tawny and a Disznoko 6 Puttonyos, which dessert wine would you choose and why? Just curious 😀
Awesome video, I regret not having tried any when I was last in Hungary. I had an interesting dry tokaji a few days ago that tested like German reisling meets sauv Blanc
@@drmatthewhorkey interesting. All three are from Aldi: 2x2017 and 1x2013. I imagine they are from a co-operative. I think they are pretty good, from memory.
Awesome video as always! Bit off topic, but since it was shot at a wine event, could you recommend any wine fairs/events for amateur drinkers in Europe?
Tokaji. What a wine! More people should know about this stuff. I think you've inspired me to crack open a bottle of Royal Tokaji 6 Puttonyos I have down in the cellar tonight.
@@drmatthewhorkey the 5 is amazing too. If I had a bottle of that here, that would be the one I open. My only gripe with the Tokaij is the 500ml bottle. I want 750!
Great video! Just wondering if you might know why Fumint is particularly susceptible to botrytis. My understanding was that thin skinned grapes tended to be more susceptible rather than thick skinned grapes like Furmint.
It has to do with humidity as well. Bordeaux is a humid place. Tokaj is as well as two rivers meet in the area. The skins are fairly thin too, it’s fairly easy to break ripe grapes late into harvest season.
Nice topic. Hungary needs to do better PR with their dry whites because you hardly see them in NA wine shops. Good producers could go toe-to-toe with German Rieslings. Have you ever tried Szepsy Eszencia? That would be the Tokaji holy grail for me. Saw the 2007 being sold at Galeries Lafayette and was only able to afford to take a picture.
Hungarians are not great marketing and the Tokaj producers need to band together to move forward but I doubt that will ever happen. I have had a lot of Eszencias but not Szepsy’s… yet.
Nice video my friend! :) Tokaji Aszú is truly the best natural sweet wine on Earth! My fav producers? According to Aszú wines Szepsy is the best, but Zoltán Demeter, Disznókő and Pajzos are on the top too. Szamorodni? Balassa is the best! And the dry furmints? Erzsébet Pince (with Ronn Wiegand MW/MS on the board) is the best not just in Hungary but in the World! :) Cheers!
I have both Hungarian and Slovak Tokaj wines in my cellar, I like both oldschool and renaissance styles.. It's a pity you have not mentioned the Slovakian portion of the region..
This makes me so mad! Now I've been to Italy, Spain and Hungary before I ever got into wine. Did not appreciate the good stuff and had mostly beer. I must make amends
It can be good but under Hungarian wine law, Aszueszencia as a category no longer exists. You can find older bottles but there are no new vintages being created
@@drmatthewhorkey oh! This is cruel! Fortunately, I have five bottles left! P.S.: a good alternative would be the austrian Ausbruch - e.g. Chardonnay from Feiler-Artinger in Rust (Austria). Ausbruch is the same principle - and it can be damned good!👌👍
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Szepsy is THE best aszú producer! :) But if you’re interested in szamorodni wines, try Balassa! The best dry furmint producer is Erzsébet Pince (with Ronn Wiegand MW/MS) for sure. But all of the “big names” like Disznókő, Oremus, Pajzos, Hétszőlő and Royal Tokaji are perfect. If you need a “hidden gem” try Gizella Pince, Majoros Pince or my new fav Palkó Pince from Abaújszántó village!
GREAT recommendations! If any Hungarians make it here I highly recommend the channel above. The host, Daniel, is one of the best palates I have ever tasted with - and that’s not just lip service.
@@drmatthewhorkey ❤❤❤
Thanks for the recss!!
There are some hidden gems from the smaller wineries… found a few treasures that can only be purchased on spot… tasting from the barrel and they fill your bottles on the spot ♥️ Balassa is from Erdobenye if I am correct 🙏🏻 still have to go there… but I agree, their szamorodni is magic
Tokaj is one of my favorite wine regions and they do it all, dry, off-dry, semi-sweet, Aszu & Essencia and pezsgo (sparking). I think that their dry whites are amazing and you can get single vineyard ones for around or under 20 US$/Euros. It's very hard to choose a "favorite", as they are all so good. Some ones that stick out are Chateau Dereszla, Grof Degenfeld and a small family producer; Himesudvar. Royal Tokaji is the biggest and might have the best QPR, (or not). Decanter these days seems quite enamoured with Juliet Victor, but I haven't tried any yet.
Our visit to Tokaj in 2016 was pretty amazing, those deep cellars and the grey mold on the wall and tasting the 2001 Himesudvar Essencia. I concur that Tokaj Aszu is better than Sauternes & better value for money than German B.A.s and TBAs. Fun fact: did you know that Tokaj and it's wines are in the Hungarian national anthem? Pretty cool, no? Maybe one day I can try Szepsy's wines, one can always dream.
Julie Victor are pretty good but priced high. Dry Tokajis are rapidly rising in price unfortunately. My favorite estate for price quality is Erzsebet Pince - one of the family members is married to a MW/MS.
First time I tried tokaji wine, it was out of curiosity. Then I become hooked and moved to the azsu. I prefer to drink it while eating game meat with risotto, goes quite well with it. Unfortunately, the selection of tokaji azsu wine is very limited in my area. It's a shame that not more are exported out to the world.
Ahhh Aszu is magical and yes, there isn’t a great selection outside Hungary
My first wine ever was a 70s Tokaj. Thanks for getting some memories back Dr.!
And big Thanks everybody for the useful comments, I should get my Magyar wine list updated asap!
Last one I had was a Juhfark Borszorcsok, it's rather difficult to get local wines outside of Hungary.
Whaaaat your first wine ever was a Sweet Tokaji???? Forever spoiled hahaha
I just started my season here in Tokaj and your video helped me a lot to understand better.
Nice! Enjoy
My first experience with Tokaji - Sauska Tokaji Aszu 6 puttonyos 2003. Man, I might have to put aside my love for sauternes for this. Main difference to me is that its much less oaky/bitter compared with sauternes. It is definitely sweeter and more concentrated, yet there is a smooth refinement to it that actually trades complexity for clarity and depth.
Good descriptor! You’ll see more sweet Tokaji on the channel in the coming months!
Always looking forward to videos about sweet wines, such an underrated style and not much discussed on TH-cam.
I'm not very experienced with sweet wines but Tokaj is my favourite so far, but I just bought a Sauternes recently, maybe it's a good occasion to try it today.
Ohhhh pop it open!!! I agree, such an underrated wine style. I have a video coming up on the topic that sweet wines are not just for beginners.
Whenever I see Tokaji in the store or online, I always pray that the good ones ( single vineyard(s) and good vintage(s)) doesn't get snapped up ( let the majority go for Icewine or regular table wines haha). Whenever I hear uncles, and aunties say " I only drink red wines. Sweet wines are blah blah", I open up a Sauternes or Tokaji Aszu just to shut their mouths ( except if they have health issues). I really like Tokaji Aszus.because the quality, and passion that producers put in each bottle yet the price doesn't empty my wallet. these few years I've been stocking up excellent to legendary vintages while I can afford( 2007, 2008, 2013, 2016, 2017). As for producers it really depends on personal preference but I had Royal Tokai, Oremus, Disznoko, Puklus Pince, Grof Degenfeld, and Dereszla ( not my preference). I just hope the price doesn't suddenly shoot up like a rocket. If it does, I'm glad that I stocked up.
ohhh those are all nice producers indeed! Tokaji is one of the world's great, under appreciated, underpriced wines indeed! I agree, everyone that I give sweet tokaji to, loves it.
@@drmatthewhorkey Unfortunately we don't get Szepsy so I can't do much about it. Once they taste Tokaji Aszus, it's hard to go back.
I think Erzsebet Pince is something you should check out
@@drmatthewhorkey will do. Thxx fir the suggestion
I'm starting to feel that Tokaji Aszus are starting to be noticed. Not 100% certain but abit more youtube videos are kinda appearing.
I found my love for wine through Hungarian wine (and your channel), but not with the sweet wines. Took me about a year or so into my wine journey to start to truly appreciate sweet wines and Im very happy that Hungary produces the best sweet wines in the world. Szepsy Aszu paired with foie gras is my favourite appetiser of all time. I live in Europe and have a pretty nice stock of sweet tokaji in my cellar. Ill keep a few bottles for you ;)
Wahhhhhhh that is sooo great to hear. I love Sweet Tokaji, among my favorite styles of wine int he world. Thanks so much. What producers do you have????
Never had the honor to try Szepsy's wines sadly. I just got my hands on the Harslevelu, Furmint and Aszu of Bott Pince. Their 2019 Csontos Furmint is great, their 2017 Aszu is magical!
Bott isn't a slouch either, GREAT wines
i'm drooling 🤤 one tokaji or one oporto to finish a meal ñamy
😂
I've watched a couple of your Tokaj videos! Now I want to try a bottle. Is Disznókó Tokaji Aszú Eszencia 2007 a good one to try? It is $475 unfortunately but available on vivino. Thanks for your input!
It’s REALLY REALLY rich and sweet. For starters I’d go with a 5 Puttonyos Tokaji Aszu if you can find one
@@drmatthewhorkey Thanks! Is this what you're referring to: Royal Tokaji 2017 Tokaji Aszu 5 Puttonyos, Hungary ? I believe I found it!
Also what is the difference between the red label and the blue label? Really appreciate your help!
Blue label less premium but still good
For sweet wines, I’ve only tried Oremus Late Harvest, BUT I’m going to a Royal Tokaji Co. tasting tonight with the winemaker, so this got me pumped up!!!
I’ve also had the Tokaji Furmint Sec from Királyudvar, which is one of my all time favorite white wines!
Loved both wines so can’t wait to try more!
All three EXCELLENT producers... Kiralyudvar started as a collab with Szepsy...
@@drmatthewhorkey I did not know that!
One of the best days of my “wine life” was a taste that included a vertical of Vega Sicília and a bottle of Oremus 6 puttonyos! Since that experience , I’ve been a fan of tokaji! Great video and I agree that tokajy is one of the greats !
That sounds like a helluva day!
Oremus is amazing Tokaji.
VS Unico probably the red best wine I ever had.
Wife and I were in Pittsburgh, at a Hungarian Restaurant, 6-8 months ago. Started talking to the owner about Hungarian wines (I was in the wine business 40+ years,). She treated me to a glass of Tokay. 4,? Puttonyos. Hadn't had it for a while. My wife NEVER had it. Great surprise for BOTH of us!!
Visiting Tokaj in a couple weeks 🤙🏻
Ohhhhh you are going to have a blast
@@drmatthewhorkey I’m in Tokaj having Himesudvar aszu right now and it’s incredible!
We’ve tried the Disznoko 5 Puttonyos 2013 on the Disney Cruise and loved it. What is the difference in taste between the 5 and 6 puttonyos?
More sweet and concentrated and fuller
If you had to choose between a Quinta Do Noval 20 year old Tawny and a Disznoko 6 Puttonyos, which dessert wine would you choose and why? Just curious 😀
Tokaj is one of my favorite by far for sweet wines but Riesling is also in my Top 3 :)
Hahhahah and the third??? I am guessing you are a homer.
Awesome video, I regret not having tried any when I was last in Hungary. I had an interesting dry tokaji a few days ago that tested like German reisling meets sauv Blanc
Do you remember the producer?
@@drmatthewhorkey yeah! It was the furmint from Pajzos, and rather inexpensive. I'd love to try a higher end one but they're hard to find in Quebec
Pajzos does great at every price point!
Good stuff. I have three bottles of Tokay (5 putts) in the cellar, one of which will come out this weekend which we will share with our guests.
Niiiccceeee, what producer?
@@drmatthewhorkey interesting. All three are from Aldi: 2x2017 and 1x2013. I imagine they are from a co-operative. I think they are pretty good, from memory.
Awesome video as always! Bit off topic, but since it was shot at a wine event, could you recommend any wine fairs/events for amateur drinkers in Europe?
Everyone can go to Prowein in Germany or Merano Festival in Italy.
@@drmatthewhorkeyAwesome, will check it out. Thanks !
Also Vie Vinum in Vienna
Tokaji. What a wine! More people should know about this stuff. I think you've inspired me to crack open a bottle of Royal Tokaji 6 Puttonyos I have down in the cellar tonight.
I LOVVVEE that wine, although I think their 5p is more up my alley (less sugar and A LOT more affordable).
@@drmatthewhorkey the 5 is amazing too. If I had a bottle of that here, that would be the one I open. My only gripe with the Tokaij is the 500ml bottle. I want 750!
I want 1.5 L 😂
You pointed out a key fact. Grapes that are very high in acid tend to be produced in sweeter styles. Rieslings, or Chenin Blancs from Vouvray.
I love all those grapes!
Great video! Just wondering if you might know why Fumint is particularly susceptible to botrytis. My understanding was that thin skinned grapes tended to be more susceptible rather than thick skinned grapes like Furmint.
It has to do with humidity as well. Bordeaux is a humid place. Tokaj is as well as two rivers meet in the area. The skins are fairly thin too, it’s fairly easy to break ripe grapes late into harvest season.
Nice topic. Hungary needs to do better PR with their dry whites because you hardly see them in NA wine shops. Good producers could go toe-to-toe with German Rieslings.
Have you ever tried Szepsy Eszencia? That would be the Tokaji holy grail for me. Saw the 2007 being sold at Galeries Lafayette and was only able to afford to take a picture.
Hungarians are not great marketing and the Tokaj producers need to band together to move forward but I doubt that will ever happen. I have had a lot of Eszencias but not Szepsy’s… yet.
Nice video my friend! :) Tokaji Aszú is truly the best natural sweet wine on Earth! My fav producers? According to Aszú wines Szepsy is the best, but Zoltán Demeter, Disznókő and Pajzos are on the top too. Szamorodni? Balassa is the best! And the dry furmints? Erzsébet Pince (with Ronn Wiegand MW/MS on the board) is the best not just in Hungary but in the World! :) Cheers!
All GREAT producers and among my favorites too. Hope to taste with you soon!
@@drmatthewhorkey Hope so!
Dry tokaji is TREMENDOULSLY superior to the sweet. I speak to this as a Hungarian.
I prefer sweets overall there but there are good drys for sure
no tokaj in Georgia for now Im afraid… want to try real bad… will have to stick with semi sweet saperavis for now 😁
You do have the great Usakhelauri!
@@drmatthewhorkey not a big fan of Usakhelouri myself, prefer cheap Akhasheni 😄
I have both Hungarian and Slovak Tokaj wines in my cellar, I like both oldschool and renaissance styles..
It's a pity you have not mentioned the Slovakian portion of the region..
There are several videos on the channel about it
This makes me so mad! Now I've been to Italy, Spain and Hungary before I ever got into wine. Did not appreciate the good stuff and had mostly beer. I must make amends
There’s still time!
And about Aszueszenzia?🤔 👉This is way better!
It can be good but under Hungarian wine law, Aszueszencia as a category no longer exists. You can find older bottles but there are no new vintages being created
@@drmatthewhorkey oh! This is cruel! Fortunately, I have five bottles left!
P.S.: a good alternative would be the austrian Ausbruch - e.g. Chardonnay from Feiler-Artinger in Rust (Austria). Ausbruch is the same principle - and it can be damned good!👌👍
Luck you. I do like the botrytized wines coming out of Austria too
Oremus made a killer 5 puttonyos in 2013.
Yes! I had it. The greatest Oremus 5p that I've had is the 2000 though.
@@drmatthewhorkey I’ll keep my eyes peeled for it!