Vintages

In addition to the Tokaj-Hegyalja traditional speciality wines (Szamorodni, Fordítás, Aszú) the estate also produces excellent semi-sweet and sweet, as well as dry and semi-dry wines from the traditional grape varieties of the wine region: Furmint, Hárslevelű and Muscat Lunel. The Gróf Degenfeld family are believers in the Tokaj traditions and are proud to associate their name with their wines striving for first class quality.
Following the family tradition, the principle of "The duty of nobility", the estate makes no compromises in their expectations of quality they follow the strict quantity limits and guidelines for the vineyards, bunches and grapes selection.

Wines

1996

A mild summer. September was varied with beautiful sunny periods often followed by rainy days. The grapes were late to start ripening. Botrytis was quick to appear on the slightly swollen berries, but due to the frequent showers intensive shrivelling did not occur. The year's wines possess a distinctive noble rot character; orange rind and citrus fragrances are typical, round in the mouth, extremely creamy, strong but also loose structured wines.

1997

Late, slightly cooler year. Autumn was dry and sunny but the grapes started ripening late. With a lack of precipitation the grapes stayed intact until mid October. The botrytis arrived rather late, but then did wonders. The grape skin was already thinner and the sunny, dry but already cold weather resulted in superb botrytisation and beautiful, healthily shrivelled and rich berries. Not huge quantities but they resemble the great years such as 1993. The wines' incredible dynamism, fruitiness, with the taste of apricots and dried fruits, figs with lively acids, a long finish and delightful structure.

1998

Cool, rainy year. The summer was cooler and with more precipitation than usual and the later autumn rains were favourable for the strong establishment of botrytis. Relatively large quantities but less shrivelled aszú berries were produced. The wines are typified by intensive noble rot character, with lemon and orange notes and spicy tones. Elegant, delicious, round in the mouth, creamy, harmonic with delightful balance.

1999

Great, classic Tokaj vintage. Dry, scorching summer resulting in early but even ripening. The noble rot grapes are wonderful; the botrytis was present in its most delicious form. The berries were perfectly shrivelled and their taste reminiscent of dried fruits: its richness is not only provided by its exceptional sugar content, but also in the fruity acids. The wines are characterised by fresh and dried fruits, with a precise, crystal clear, long finish and perfect balance.

2000

A very special, rich vintage. The exceptionally early dry and scorching summer led to the earliest harvest ever. The noble rot berries unique quality and the warm and dry autumn perfect for the harvest meant that we were selecting the aszú grapes for over two months. The shrivelling process started with fine botrytis, continuing more intensively. Its stunning aromas evoke white-fleshed peaches, pineapple, milk caramel and tropical fruits.

„A sok szem egy lélekké érik,
Bukéja pára, száll az égig,
S ereszkedik a pince-hűsbe,
Hol gyertyafény, belémerülve
Mutatja izzó tisztaságát.”
Tarbay Ede: A bor dicsérete

My wine cellar

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Gróf Degenfeld Castle Hotel ****