Grand Tokaj Terroir Selection — Tokaji Aszú 5 Puttonyos 2019 Grand Tokaj Winery, Tokaj-Hegyalja, Hungary

The «Wine of Kings»

The Sun King of France, Louis XIV, bestowed upon Tokaji the title of «Vinum Regum — Rex Vinorum»: «Wine of Kings, King of Wines». Emperor Franz Joseph I himself used it as a diplomatic weapon, sending a shipment of Aszú to Queen Victoria of England every year on her birthday. Figures such as Beethoven, Schubert, Goethe and Voltaire are said to have treasured it, and it circulated as one of those conversation wines, reserved for special moments.

The Tokaj region in northeastern Hungary combines an ideal climate, volcanic soils and a geography that favors the production of exceptional wines. Its microclimate, influenced by the proximity of the Bodrog and Tisza rivers, creates the perfect conditions for the development of the famous «noble rot» (Botrytis cinerea), the fungus that concentrates sugars in the grapes, giving rise to some of the most acclaimed sweet wines in the world.

The Grand Tokaj Winery

Grand Tokaj is the main state-owned winery in Hungary, guardian and protector of the winemaking traditions of the Tokaj-Hegyalja region, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002. After modernizing in 2013, it is responsible for 40% of the region’s wine production, and in addition to its own 67 hectares of vineyards, it sources grapes from more than 1,400 small producers.

The winery boasts the largest underground cellar in Central and Eastern Europe, carved into the Hatalos hill, with five kilometers of two-story galleries where temperature and humidity conditions remain stable year-round, ideal for aging its wines.

What is an Aszú 5 Puttonyos?

Aszú is born from a rarity that only occurs when nature and climate align perfectly. It is made from grapes affected by noble rot, which far from spoiling the grape, transforms it: slowly dehydrating it and concentrating sugars, acidity and aromas in an extraordinary way.

The term «Puttonyos» refers to the number of baskets (puttony) of botrytized grapes added to the base wine per 136-liter barrel called a Gönc. At 5 puttonyos, the wine reaches at least 120 g/l of residual sugar, placing it at the pinnacle of sweetness and complexity within the scale.

The 2019 Vintage

This Aszú 5 Puttonyos 2019 has 9.6% alcohol and is presented in a 50 cl bottle, the traditional format of the world’s great sweet wines. It is aged in local Hungarian oak.  The 2019 vintage was generous in Tokaj, with a long, warm autumn that allowed excellent concentration in the botrytized grapes.

Tasting Notes

Appearance

A light golden color with elegant amber highlights. Brilliant and clean, with notable viscosity that betrays its sugar richness. In the glass, the tears fall very slowly, as if the wine were reluctant to leave the crystal.

Nose

Great aromatic complexity: alongside the botrytis notes from the hand-selected berries, peach, orange peel, hard caramel, figs and exotic flowers emerge. With time in the glass, hints of acacia honey, saffron and a subtle touch of spiced wood from the Hungarian oak develop.

Palate

The palate is crystalline, with fresh and dried fruit, orange, quince, pear and apricot. On the finish, notes of white chocolate and vanilla appear from the barrel aging, while the lively acidity rounds out and lengthens the wine, making it remarkably persistent. The sweetness never feels cloying thanks to that vibrant acidity — the defining signature of Tokaj.

Food Pairing

This wine is a universe unto itself. It can be enjoyed alone as a meditative experience, but shines especially with:

Blue cheeses (Roquefort, Stilton) — the salty/sweet contrast is heavenly Foie gras — the most classic pairing in haute cuisine Fruit-based desserts — tarte tatin, crème brûlée, apple tart. White chocolate or chocolate with dried fruits

Temperature & Service

Serve well chilled, between 8–10°C (46–50°F). Use a wide white wine glass to fully appreciate its aromatic complexity. No decanting needed.

Awards & Recognition: Grand Tokaj Terroir Selection — Tokaji Aszú 5 Puttonyos 2019 Grand Tokaj Winery, Tokaj-Hegyalja

Grand Tokaj has received the Grand Gold Medal at Mundus Vini 2023 and a Gold Medal with 96 points at the IWC (International Wine Challenge), confirming its position among the world’s great sweet wines.

Overall Rating

A historic and timeless wine, capable of aging for decades in the cellar. The Terroir Selection 2019 delivers everything that makes Tokaji great: a perfect balance between sweetness and acidity, inexhaustible aromatic complexity and a finish that never seems to end. For a special occasion or as a gift to someone who truly appreciates vinous greatness. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Sobrelías Redacción

Sobrelías Redacción