Dobogo Tokaji Aszu 2017

The Dobogo Tokaji Aszu 6 Puttonyos is an exceptional sweet wine from Tokaj, Hungary's renowned wine region and one of the oldest classified wine regions in the world. This wine is crafted from Furmint (85%) and Muscat Blanc a Petits Grains (15%) grapes grown in First-Growth vineyards in Mád and Tállya. The "6 Puttonyos" designation refers to the traditional measurement of sweetness, where six baskets (or puttonyos) of botrytized Aszu berries are added to a base wine, making it one of the richest and most concentrated styles of Tokaji. The volcanic soils of this region contribute to the wine's distinctive minerality, while the noble rot (botrytis) concentrates the grapes' sugars, acidity, and aromas. Yields are carefully restricted to about one kilogram per vine to ensure quality.

The 2017 vintage was marked by variable weather, including a late frost in April, heatwaves in summer, and heavy rain through mid-September. However, sunny days in October provided ideal conditions for the development of intensely concentrated Aszu berries, harvested meticulously in stages. The Aszu grapes were handpicked and macerated overnight in a sweet base wine at a ratio of one kilogram of Aszu grapes per litre of wine. After pressing, the wine was aged for 2–3 years in oak barrels (a mix of new and used) and an additional three years in the cellar before release.

Deep gold in colour, this Tokaji Aszu bursts with aromas of dates, mangoes, and apricots. On the palate, flavours of grapefruit, honey, and intense sweetness are perfectly balanced by a vibrant mineral acidity, showcasing the complexity of this world-class dessert wine.

This Tokaji pairs beautifully with blue cheeses or desserts like apricot tart and mango mousse. Its acidity also makes it a superb companion to savoury dishes with a sweet element, such as duck a l'orange.