Tokaji aszu and Essencia

by Stella

Tokaji Aszu

The result of the unique Aszu winemaking process is a unique and splendid wine. The number of Puttonyos of Aszu grapes added to the base wine indicate not only the fine and sumptuous quality of each Tokaji Aszu wine but also, in the finest vintages, will determine the keeping quality of the wines which will keep for generations.

In the past decade, the best vintages are the outstanding 1993 and also 1999. Crown Estates 5 puttonyos Tokaji Aszu from 1993 was awarded a 5 star rating in a Decanter tasting in 1999. By the end of 2000 only Crown Estates of Hungary, among leading Tokaji producers, will still retain significant stock from this outstanding vintage.

1972 was the vintage of the Century in the region and the Museum Wines from this vintage have won a number of international competitions. Top vintages only occur two or three times a decade. Often efforts to produce an Aszu vintage in poor years do not yield the best results.

Tokaji Aszu Essencia

This rare variety of Aszu, only available in very small quantities, cannot be named according to the number of Puttony, since sugar content and sugar free extract surpass those of the otherwise rare 6 Puttonyos Aszu wine. To develop its flavour, bouquet, fragrance and taste, maturing takes place in wooden casks for a legal minimum of 5 years. Ideally, it needs at least a further 5 years maturation in bottle but will improve in bottle for many years thereafter. Aszu Essencia is only produced in the best vintages, such as 1972, 1993, 1999 or 2000.

Tokaji Essencia

Essencia is the most precious liquid obtained from Aszu grapes. Prior to making the Aszu wine, harvested berries picked individually from the bunch are stored in wooden casks, with a false bottom made up of loose-fitting slats. 'Essence' or juice, pressed out by the weight of the grapes, is collected and then matured in G?nci casks or demi-johns. With such a high sugar content, Tokaji Essencia ferments very slowly to about 3-4% alcohol and is a great rarity - a phenomenal nectar rather than a true wine. Due to its intensity it will mature for decades in cask and bottle before it reaches its peek. For instance, Essencia from 1972 stored in the Crown Estates Museum Cellar has the potential to improved for many years to come.

http://www.crownestates-tokaji.com/pages/styles.htm