About the Wine

There is a jewel in every crown. On the southern side of Mount Tokaj, the Royal Imperial Estate of Tokaj-Hétszőlő owns the most fertile land and the best vines, and since the year 1502 nature has generously given more of its fruits here than anywhere else. No surprise then that it has attracted the attention of the greats of the wine world for over 5 centuries!  The creation of the Estate owes nothing to chance: the Garai family selected the best 7 parcels of the Tokaj Mountain, hence the name – Hét / Szőlő means “7 parcels of vineyard” in Hungarian. Wines this admirable were never going to remain a secret for very long... the parcels of the Tokaj-Hétszőlő Estate were classed as Tokaj Premier Grand Cru as early as 1772, when the Estate still belonged to the Austro-Hungarian Empire. This distinction pays homage to the unique characteristics of what is an exceptional terroir.

This is one of Tokaj’s best-kept secrets - an organic, late harvest sweet wine from the same ownership as Ch Cos d’Estournel - Michel Reybier.  Cultivating some of the most prestigious and fertile land in the area, Hétszőlő was classed as a Tokaj Premier Grand Cru as early as 1772, when the Estate still belonged to the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

As I’m sure you’re aware, Tokaji Aszú is a sweet wine much like Sauternes (often even sweeter); but this late harvest wine is not as sweet and is meant to be consumed younger than its botrytized siblings to enjoy its bright fruit intensity. Don’t get me wrong, it still ages well, just not for 50+ years!

Made with traditional Hungarian grapes but more comparable to a good Spätlese Riesling from Germany in sweetness. The naturally high acidity of Furmint makes it perfect for this style of wine as it balances the sweetness and leaves the finish refreshing. This style started popping up in the 1990s, so not super traditional.  Overall, an excellent food wine that pairs particularly nicely with spicy/highly seasoned food, or even as an aperitif!

Tasting Notes: See critical review for detailed tasting notes.

Reviews

Tropical pineapple, passion fruit, and guava notes mix with hints of white truffle and honeycomb in this lightly sweet, lithe white backed by vibrant acidity. Features a lingering, juicy finish. Drink now through 2024. 670 cases made, 150 cases imported. ~90 Wine Spectator

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