Hungary

Question 1

Where is the Tokaj region located?

Answer 1

Northeastern corner of Hungary, at the confluence of the Tisza and Bodrog Rivers

The region is known for crafting exemplary dessert wines.

Question 2

What significant event in 1700 marked the Tokaj region’s vineyard classification?

Answer 2

Transylvanian Prince Rákóczy delimited 28 villages

This event inaugurated a golden age for Tokaji wine.

Question 3

What are Aszú grapes known for?

Answer 3

High sugar levels afflicted with botrytis cinerea (noble rot)

Aszú grapes are fundamental to the best Tokaji wines.

Question 4

Which historical figure praised Tokaji as the ‘wine of kings and king of wines’?

Answer 4

King Louis XIV of France

This praise occurred during his 17th century reign.

Question 5

What is the climate of the Tokaj region like?

Answer 5

Warm continental climate with long, humid autumns

This climate is ideal for botrytis development.

Question 6

What types of soils are predominant in Tokaj vineyards?

Answer 6

• Volcanic loess
• Clay

Many better vineyards occupy south-facing slopes.

Question 7

What are the two principal grapes of the Tokaj region?

Answer 7

• Furmint
• Hárslevelű

Other authorized grapes include Sárgamuskotály, Zéta, Kabar, and Kövérszőlő.

Question 8

What is the purpose of puttony in Tokaji wine production?

Answer 8

Containers for gathering handpicked aszú grapes

Each puttony holds roughly 25 kg.

Question 9

How is the sweetness of Tokaji Aszú determined?

Answer 9

By the number of puttony added to a gönc

Tokaji Aszú was previously labeled with 3-6 puttonyos.

Question 10

What is Esszencia in Tokaji wine?

Answer 10

Sugar-rich wine that ferments slowly, retaining at least 450 grams per liter of residual sugar

It is rarely available commercially and is considered unique.

Question 11

What is Tokaji Szamorodni?

Answer 11

Produced from a mixture of aszú and non-aszú grapes

It can be édes (sweet) or száraz (dry) and is often oxidative in style.

Question 12

What are the three major geographical zones of wine production in Hungary?

Answer 12

• Northern Massif
• Transdanubia
• Great Plain

These zones encompass various wine appellations.

Question 13

What is Egri Bikavér known for?

Answer 13

The ‘Bull’s Blood of Eger’

It is a blend of at least four varieties, historically dominated by Kadarka.

Question 14

Which region in Hungary is known for producing mass production white wine?

Answer 14

Kunság

It is located in the Great Plain and produces a sizable amount of wine.

Question 15

What is the significance of the 2007 regulation regarding the name Tokaj?

Answer 15

Prohibits other EU countries from using the term ‘Tokaj’ or its derivatives

This regulation protects the provenance of the name.