5 Puttonyos Tokaj Aszu, EdesFeher, 2017

Aszú is the Hungarian word for the botrytised, shrivelled grapes from which this legendary sweet wine is made. Botrytis Cinerea is a fungus that occurs in moist morning conditions and attacks heathy grapes, perforating the skin and allowing the water to evaporate. When the grapes dry out in the sunny, breezy afternoons, they shrivel and the sugars are concentrated along with the acids and flavour. The grapes are hand harvested, crushed and allowed to macerate to further develop flavour and colour. The minimum ageing period for Tokaji Aszú is two years in total, with at least 18 months in barrel, though producers may choose to age for longer. The classic pairing is Foie Gras but a blue cheese such as Roquefort or Stilton works well too. This is because the sweetness in the wine tempers the saltiness in the food. The high acidity cuts through any richness, creaminess or fattiness, keeping the palate refreshed. If you are going to pair with a dessert, you need to match sweetness with sweetness, therefore the wine needs to be at least as sweet as the dessert. Fruit-based desserts like apple crumble and poached pears are great matches for this amber nectar. Type White Country Hungary Region Tokaj Grape Furmint, Hárslevelu, Muskatoly ABV 11% Bottle size (cc) 510 Closure Natural cork Allergens Contains sulfites Organic/Vegan/Vegetarian Organic, Suitable for vegans and vegetarians Bin Number: 36EF0117SP