Wines Unspecified Château Dereszla - Aszú 6 Puttonyos - 2000

Château Dereszla’s 2000 Cuvée Aszú 6 Puttonyos is a sweet white wine hailing from Tokaj, Hungary—a region world-renowned for its opulent dessert wines. “6 Puttonyos” refers to a traditional measure of sweetness, indicating a highly concentrated, lusciously sweet style. While the specific grape blend isn’t detailed, classic Tokaji Aszú typically features native varieties such as Furmint, Hárslevelű, and possibly Sárgamuskotály, carefully harvested with botrytised (“noble rot”) berries. Crafted in small 50cl bottles, this Aszú has likely benefited from extended barrel ageing and two decades of careful cellaring, which would lend it profound complexity, with notes possibly ranging from candied citrus peel and dried apricots to honey, caramel, and toasted nuts.

Tokaj is a historic winemaking area in north-eastern Hungary, recognised as the home of some of the world’s most prestigious dessert wines for centuries. Its unique terroir—volcanic soils, river valleys, and a gently rolling landscape—creates an ideal environment for noble rot to develop, especially in autumn when morning mists rise off the rivers Bodrog and Tisza. The region enjoys a temperate continental climate, marked by warm summers and chilly, foggy autumns, further aiding in the development of the complex, concentrated flavours which define Aszú wines.

For food pairings, the sumptuous sweetness and high acidity of a 6 Puttonyos Aszú lend themselves to blue cheeses such as Roquefort or Gorgonzola, foie gras, and rich patés. Traditional Hungarian desserts like Dobos torte or apricot pastries are an excellent match, as are fruit tarts, almond-based cakes, or even a selection of dried fruits and toasted nuts. For an adventurous pairing, try it with spicy Asian cuisine—its generous fruit and sweetness will complement dishes with a bit of heat.

To enjoy this wine at its finest, serve well-chilled at around 10–12°C. Decanting may help reveal greater aromatic depth, particularly for a wine of this age. Savour slowly and allow the wine to evolve in the glass, appreciating the remarkable balance of sweetness, acidity, and complex tertiary notes developed during its many years in bottle.