Price: $17.99
Sale Price: $14.97
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This a remarkable dry white from the Tokaj (pronounced "toe-kye") region of Hungary. The Tokaj wine region lies some 200 km north-east of Budapest at the confluence of the Tisza and Bodrog rivers. It is here that the great plain of Hungary rises into a range of mountains that are the remains of ancient volcanoes. The Zemplén Mountains protect the vineyards from the extremes of the cold climate to the north, while plain funnels its warmth and the rivers keep the area moist for the vines.. Tokaji’s vinous fame is historically rooted in the intense sweet wines made from grapes dried and raisined by a beneficial form of a gey fungus known as the “noble rot”. The wines produced from these shrivelled grapes is incredibly concentrated, aromatically and texturally complex as well as deliciously sweet. These wines achieved great fame and were highly sought after. Louis XIV of France described them as “the wine of Kings and King of wines”, whilst Catherine the Great of Russia stationed a contigent of Cossack soldiers in the region to protect the vineyards and escort the wine on its journey to St. Petersburg. This wine, however, is anything but sweet: dry, fresh and crisp showing all the fine qualities of the unique Furmint grape. After harvest whole bunches were pressed and then fermented partly in stainless steel tanks, partly in barrels (15% new oak). After fermentation, both lots remained in their vessels on fine lees, for further maturation to add subtle overtones and added complexity. Aromas of orange blossom, apple and pear combine with flavours of ripe apricot and peach to produce a sleek, intense dry wine with a long, refreshing finish. There is something a little savory in this wine and it can be paired with oysters, shellfish, sushi, or white meats like pork or chicken. Try it also with aromatic Thai or Indian dishes.
