The majority of Royal Tokaji’s vineyards are in the Mád commune. These include the First Growths – Szt. Tamás, Nyulászó, Betsek, and the Second Growth Birsalmás. Royal Tokaji’s Mézes Mály vineyard – a Great First Growth – lies within the Tarcal commune.
At the end of the 17th century, Tokaji aszú wines were so well regarded throughout the Courts of Europe that Prince Rákóczi insisted on a classification of the finest vineyards around the 28 villages in the region into: Great First Growths, First Growths, Second Growths and Third Growths.
For over 300 years this special terroir has benefited from Botrytis to produce world class wines.
Click here for a little more history on the region
Viticulture
Soils are largely clay or loess with a volcanic substratum. Vines are approx 20 years old. Yields are kept to 10 hectoliters per hectare. One vine yields approx one glass of wine.
Main grape varieties in the region:
Furmint
Approx 70% of plantings in the region. A variety with very high levels of tartaric acid which is particularly susceptible to Botrytis.
Hárslevelű (linden-leaf)
Approx 25% of plantings. Less susceptible to Botrytis but rich in sugars and aromas.
Yellow Muscat
Approx 5% of plantings. The most difficult grape to grow but important seasoning.