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'''Tokaji Aszú''' is a historic [[sweet wine]] style produced in the [[Tokaj]] wine region of north-eastern [[Hungary]], made from grapes affected by [[noble rot]] (''Botrytis cinerea''). It is among the earliest codified botrytised wines in [[Europe]] and is protected today under the [[Tokaj PDO]].<ref>Jancis Robinson, Julia Harding MW, Tara Q. Thomas, ''The Oxford Companion to Wine'', Oxford University Press, September 14, 2023. ISBN 9780198871316.</ref>

== Origins and historical significance ==
Written references to [[[[Tokaji]] Aszú]] date back to the seventeenth century, by which time the [[wine]] had already achieved prominence in royal and aristocratic courts across Central and Western Europe.<ref>Roderick Phillips, ''A Short History of Wine'', Ecco Pr, 1 Nov. 2001. ISBN 9780066212821.</ref> Its reputation was closely linked to the political and commercial importance of the Tokaj-Hegyalja region within the Kingdom of Hungary and later the [[Habsburg Empire]].<ref>Unwin, ''Wine and the Vine'', Routledge, 1991.</ref>

[[Tokaji Aszú]] is frequently cited as one of the first wines to be produced deliberately from botrytised grapes rather than as a by-product of late harvesting, marking a significant development in the history of sweet wine production.<ref>McGovern, ''Ancient Wine'', Princeton University Press, 2003.</ref>

== The Tokaj region ==
The Tokaj wine region lies at the confluence of the Bodrog and Tisza rivers and is characterised by [[volcanic (soil)|volcanic soils]], autumn mists and a continental climate that favours the development of noble rot.<ref>Hugh Johnson, Jancis Robinson, ''World Atlas of Wine: 8th edition'', Mitchell Beazley, 1 Oct. 2019. ISBN 9781784724030.</ref> These conditions promote gradual dehydration of grapes while preserving [[acidity]], a key structural element in Tokaji Aszú.

The cultural and viticultural significance of the region has been recognised by its designation as a [[[[UNESCO]] World Heritage [[Site]]]] under the title ''Tokaj Wine Region Historic Cultural Landscape''.<ref>UNESCO World Heritage Centre, “Tokaj Wine Region Historic Cultural Landscape”.</ref>

== Grape varieties ==
[[Tokaji Aszú]] is produced primarily from [[Furmint]], valued for its high acidity and susceptibility to noble rot, alongside [[Hárslevelű]] and [[Sárgamuskotály]].<ref>Glen Creasy, Leroy Creasy, ''Grapes'', CABI Publishing, November 1, 2025. ISBN 9781800627048.</ref> The relative proportions of these varieties influence aroma, texture and ageing potential, with Furmint typically providing structural backbone.

== Production method ==
Aszú wines are made by adding a measured quantity of individually harvested botrytised berries (''aszú berries'') to a base must or fermenting wine. These berries are traditionally macerated to extract [[sugars]], acids and flavour compounds before fermentation proceeds.<ref>Balázs, ''Tokaj Wine Speciality: Tokaji Aszú'', Corvina Press, 2004.</ref>

Sweetness levels were historically indicated by the number of ''puttonyos'' (baskets of aszú berries) added, though modern regulations now define Aszú wines by minimum residual sugar and extract rather than puttonyos count.<ref>Tokaj Borvidék Hegyközségi Tanácsa, “Tokaji Aszú production rules”.</ref>

Extended ageing, often in underground cellars carved into volcanic tuff, contributes to the wine’s complexity and longevity.<ref>Kiss, ''History of Tokaj-Hegyalja Wine Region'', Akadémiai Kiadó, 2010.</ref>

== Style and composition ==
Tokaji Aszú is noted for its balance of high sweetness and pronounced acidity. Typical aromas include dried apricot, citrus peel, honey, saffron and tea, with oxidative and tertiary notes developing over time.<ref>Stevenson, ''The Sotheby’s Wine Encyclopedia'', DK, 2011.</ref>

From a chemical perspective, botrytised grapes contribute elevated glycerol, modified acid profiles and distinctive aroma precursors, all of which shape the wine’s texture and ageing behaviour.<ref>PhD Jackson, Ronald S., ''Wine Science: Principles and Applications'', Academic Press Inc, 14 April 2020. ISBN 9780128161180.</ref>

== Legal status and classification ==
Tokaji Aszú is protected under the Tokaj PDO within the [[European Union]], with strict regulations governing [[grape varieties]], production methods, minimum sugar levels and labelling.<ref>European Commission, eAmbrosia GI Register, “Tokaj PDO”.</ref> These rules are aligned with [[OIV]] definitions for special wines produced with noble rot.<ref>OIV, “Special wines produced with noble rot”.</ref>

== See also ==
* [[Tokaj]]
* [[Noble rot]]
* [[Furmint]]
* [[Sweet wine]]
* [[Botrytised wine]]

== References ==
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[[Category:Wine classification]]
[[Category:Sweet wine]]
[[Category:Wine regions]]