The land of incomparably delicious wines: the Tokaj Wine Region

Today, the Tokaj wine region is internationally famous, but its history begins centuries ago. The earliest mention of Tokaj can be found in Anonymous’ chronicle, Gesta Hungarorum (The Deeds of the Hungarians). The author of this (probably) 12th century work notes that when the conquering Hungarians visited this region, they drank ‘magnum aldumas’, that is, a great blessing. Documents of King Béla IV from 1252 contain a specific allusion to the grapes of Hegyalja, and in 1502, they mention the oldest known vineyard – Hétszőlő – by name. The next turning point in the life of the wine region would be in the 16th century, partly because at the time, they were already producing the famous Aszú wines, and partly because grape and wine experts began to relocate to the region around that time. The first written reference to the Tokaji Aszú wine came soon after, in 1571.

Hungary has a well-deserved reputation for excellent wines throughout all of Europe. As the Hungarian saying goes: “no one who loves wine can be evil”. In other words, perhaps there’s no need to find a reason to give excellent wines a taste. Nevertheless, we can certainly provide a few for Tokaji Aszú.

• It is said that King Louis XV called the Aszú wine from Tokaj-Hegyalja the king of wines and the wine of kings.
• Mozart and Goethe also had excellent taste in wines, and were extremely partial to Tokaji Aszú.
• The grapes for this Aszú wine are grown in an environment with entirely unique natural characteristics, and the wine itself is produced in the inimitable atmosphere of centuries-old wine cellars.
• It is one of the most unique sweet wines in the world. We can safely say, with no exaggeration, that it is a miracle of nature.
• Tokaji Aszú is one of the most amazing exemplars of Hungary’s image.

Why is the Tokaj wine region so conducive to producing exceptional wines? It’s no secret that beyond the conscientious work of professionals, the unique natural characteristics of the region also contribute to the unparalleled taste.

The Tokaj wine region includes Tokaj and its surrounding 26 settlements. It is located within a triangle drawn in the north-eastern part of Hungary, between Sátor Mountain in Sátoraljaújhely, Sátor Mountain in Abaújszántó, and Kopasz Mountain in Tokaj. 11,149 hectares of the wine region are amenable to producing grapes (currently, 5,813 hectares are actually being utilised for that purpose).