Several readers have sent us links to this big travel feature in the New York Times about excursions in Hungary’s Tokaj wine region. And for good reason – it’s sweet! Check it out.
Several readers have sent us links to this big travel feature in the New York Times about excursions in Hungary’s Tokaj wine region. And for good reason – it’s sweet! Check it out.
Hi!
I was looking for a suitable heading to place this
under. Here goes;
I´m heading to Budapest next week and want to take
advantage and learn about/taste as much Tokaj as
possible (without becoming totally shit faced). Any
pointers? Has to be in the city as I won´t rent a
car. Thank you so much in advance.
Szia!
Hey Christopher: I was in Tokaj just a few weeks ago. I stayed at the Erzsébet Pince (http://www.erzsebetpince.hu/) which has – to my mind – a fantastic wine cellar and reasonable tasting menu. Moreover, an American wine-master is married to one of the owners. It would be a great place to start. Also, I met a Chew reader there whose name I have forgotten, but he was an encyclopedia of all things Tokaj. Perhaps he will read this and be so kind as to comment. Finally – note that many of the cellars are by appointment only.
Thanks very much for your info Matt. Let´s see what
I´ll do. Like I said, I won´t leave the city center
this time so that limits the options.
Have a good one!
Christopher, you will find Tokaj all over Budapest and no need to leave the centre. Three of the best Hungarian restaurants (you will need to book all three in advance) are located within walking distance of each other:
http://www.bockbisztro.hu
http://www.cafekor.com (no credit cards)
http://www.ketszerecsen.com
All have fantastic food too. Enjoy your time here!
Hi Christopher!
It depends on what you mean by Tokaj. For centuries, what royalty and other top dogs in Europe drank and gifted each other with was the top grade, the “Essencia”.
Essencia is hard to find, and when you find it, they will “clean out your clock” for sure. A bottle typically sells for 400-450 Euros ($500+), (six times or more expensive than the #6)
Essencia is “only” 3% alcohol, and achieves it’s powerful, unique and long lasting psychoactive effect from some substance other than alcohol, probably a drug in the mold itself that gives the Tokaj grapes their flavor. “Essencia” wine is a very high concentration of this mold.
Those kings of old knew what the good stuff was! If your budget can afford it, go find a bottle and give it a try! There is a second lesser grade (still very expensive) called Tokaji Aszú Essencia; don’t get the two confused as there is a huge price difference.
Below that are the numbers 6, 5, 4, and 3 “puttony”. That is a measure of the number of grape baskets went into the batch. (The number 6 being the most concentrated and sweetest) These are sweet desert wines (not unlike a French sauterne). They do not pack that funny “effect” that I mention above; for that you will have to shell out for the top article!
Enjoy!