Beverage

Tokaji

Tokaji (Tokaj) is the legendary sweet wine of Hungary’s Tokaj region, built on Furmint, Hárslevelű, and related grapes affected by Botrytis cinerea (aszú berries). Classic Aszú is made by macerating botrytised paste in base wine or must and ageing in cask; szamorodni, essencia, and late-harvest styles complete the ladder. Though not spirit-fortified like Port, Tokaji is listed among the world’s great concentrated dessert wines with honeyed apricot, saffron, and high acid that keeps sweetness alive for decades. Pair with foie gras, blue cheese, fruit tarts, and spicy desserts. In the kitchen, a spoon of Tokaji Aszú glazes roasted fruit, enriches sabayon, and finishes foie gras pans—use sparingly; intensity and cost reward drops, not ladlefuls.

Also known as: Tokaji Aszú