Wines Unspecified Tokaji - 2021

This Tokaji from the 2021 vintage hails from Hungary’s legendary Tokaj region and is presented in its dry white form, known locally as "száraz." While the precise blend of grape varieties is not specified, Tokaji dry whites are most often made from indigenous grapes such as Furmint, Hárslevelű, and sometimes a touch of Sárgamuskotály (Muscat Blanc). The 2021 vintage is likely to have offered balanced conditions, lending the wine clarity, freshness, and a poised structure. Dry Tokaji whites are typically fermented in stainless steel or sometimes in oak barrels, aiming to preserve the variety’s bright acidity and the subtle mineral undertones so emblematic of the region.

Tokaj itself is a UNESCO World Heritage site and Hungary’s oldest classified wine region, with a winemaking history that stretches back centuries. The unique volcanic soils of Tokaj, mixed with loess and clay, provide a remarkable mineral backbone, and the region’s microclimate—characterised by warm autumn days, cool nights, and river mists—creates perfect conditions for grape ripening. While Tokaj is world-famous for its luscious sweet Aszú wines, the dry whites have become increasingly celebrated for their crispness, vibrant fruit character, and pronounced minerality.

A dry Tokaji white is a versatile partner at the table. Its fresh acidity and subtle complexity marry well with freshwater fish, such as pike perch or trout, and it shines alongside poultry dishes—think roast chicken with a light herb sauce or classic Hungarian paprikás csirke using a delicate hand on the spice. If you would like to explore regional pairings, try with sheep’s cheese or a mild Tokaji-style goat’s cheese. The wine’s lean framework also makes it a splendid match for lightly spiced Asian cuisine or fresh spring salads.

To best appreciate this wine’s aromatic freshness and mineral nuances, serve well-chilled, ideally between 10 and 12°C. Decanting is typically not necessary, but giving the wine a few minutes in the glass will help its subtleties unfurl.