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CROWN ESTATES OF HUNGARY |
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| CROWN ESTATES OF HUNGARY is the new identity for the leading Hungarian
owned Tokaji wine producer |
| ‘King of Wines, Wine of Kings’- Tokaji Aszú, is a rich, honeyed
dessert wine which is balanced with invigorating or refreshing
acidity. This treasure is only made in the Tokaj-Hegyalja wine region in North East Hungary.
Crown Estates of Hungary, the leading Hungarian owned producer
of Tokaji Aszú wines, is a vital part of the nation’s heritage.
The company owns the former Royal ‘Szarvas’ great first growth vineyard and the unique Crown Estates Museum Cellar, where the best vintages from the 20th Century and earlier are
matured and stored in a 13th Century labyrinth. |
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| In north-east Hungary, vineyards nestle on the southern slopes
of the Tokaj Mountain and the other volcanic Zemplén hills. Here
some of the most spectacular late harvest wines are made from
desiccated Aszú berries (these are grapes shrivelled by botrytis).
These wines have excited wine lovers for over 400 years. After
decades of isolation the reputation of the region is now being
restored.
Crown Estates of Hungary epitomises the traditions and heritage
of this famous wine region. The company, formerly known as Tokaji
Kereskedőház, launched their new range of wines on the UK market in September 2000, with their new agent Pol Roger and is seeking to extend its distribution in the UK and on other
international markets. |
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These unique wines are made using the traditional techniques that
date back for almost 400 years. Over this period they have funded
wars and graced the tables of monarchs. Even though the region
has witnessed great traumas and deprivation, winemakers and cellarmasters
have continued to make the most spectacular wines. The finest
wines of the past 100 years are only found in Crown Estates’ Musuem Collection. |
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| On the distinctive Crown Estates labels, different coloured seals
are used to illustrate the puttonyos number - from 3 to 6 - which indicate the quantity of the hand-picked
raisin-like grapes (Aszú berries)’ affected by 'noble rot', used
to make the wine. The term puttonyos is derived from the puttony (wooden tubs) traditionally used to carry and measure these Aszú
berries. These shrivelled grapes are added to the base wine, and
create Tokaji Aszú’s unique balance of sugar and acidity. |
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| The best Tokaji Aszú wines can only be made on average 3 years
in each decade. The Crown Estates wine are aged slowly in cask
for at least 3 years and are only put on the market when they
have developed their complex and distinctive taste and aroma.
Crown Estates have their own vineyards but also work with small
growers throughout the region, many of whom are current or former
employees. To help preserve the region’s prosperity in non Aszú
years, Crown Estates has developed the Castle Island range of fruity young dry white wines. |
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