Szóló Aszú

Vintage: 2017

Origin: Tokaj, Hungary

Grapes: Furmint

Alcohol: 10.5%

Tímea Éless crafts this classic 6 Puttonyos Tokaji Aszú from 100% biodynamic Furmint vines, aged 30 to 60 years on volcanic rhyolite and andesite soils. The individual botrytised Aszú berries were hand-picked across multiple passes in late 2017 and soaked for a full week in the fermenting late-harvest Furmint must. After gentle pressing, the wine fermented naturally before spending 18 months in 200-litre Zemplén oak barrels from the local Kalina cooperage. Bottled at 10.6% alcohol with a rich 222 g/L of residual sugar, it represents traditional Tokaj winemaking at its highest level.

Glowing pale gold in the glass, it delivers an intense nose of candied citrus, ripe peach, acacia honey, and warm Christmas spices alongside a subtle dried tea-leaf complexity. On the palate, concentrated layers of dried apricot, raisins, quince, and sweet vanilla unfold with a silky, velvety weight, all held in check by Furmint's naturally vibrant acidity. Serve it lightly chilled alongside blue cheese, foie gras, or rich fruit desserts, or simply sip it on its own as a brilliant post-dinner treat.