In the picturesque region of Tokaj, Hungary, a fascinating and labor-intensive process unfolds each harvest season. Tokaji Aszú, one of the world’s most celebrated styles of sweet wine, is produced through a meticulous combination of fresh grapes and unique aszú berries. These special berries are the result of a natural process involving botrytis—a mold that affects grapes—leading some to shrivel while others remain intact on the vine.
The harvest of aszú berries at the acclaimed winery Disznókő is a meticulous affair. Each berry is handpicked from clusters affected by botrytis, ensuring only the finest are selected for the wine. This results in an incredibly sweet juice, which is used to create Eszencia, a low-alcohol wine of remarkable character and sweetness.
The production of Tokaji Aszú involves macerating the harvested aszú berries with fermenting wine. This critical step allows for the extraction of the berries’ inherent sweetness and rich flavors, ultimately resulting in the exquisite wines that Tokaj is renowned for.
As the laborers work diligently among the vines, they contribute to the legacy of one of the world’s finest sweet wines—one that is as rich in history and tradition as it is in flavor.
For more information, you can check the harvest gallery in Tokaj and learn about Hungary’s wine crown jewel: a masterclass on Tokaji.