What wine style is produced in the Tokaj region of Hungary?

The Tokaj region of Hungary is renowned primarily for its production of dessert wines, most famously the sweet wines made from the Furmint grape, often blended with Hárslevelü. These wines are typically produced using a unique process involving the noble rot, known as "botrytis cinerea," which concentrates the sugars in the grapes. This method results in rich, sweet, and complex wines that are celebrated for their balance of sweetness and acidity.

Tokaji wines, especially the famous Tokaji Aszú, have a long-standing history and are recognized for their distinct flavor profiles that can include notes of apricot, honey, and orange peel. The classification system in the region highlights different levels of sweetness based on the quantity of botrytized grapes used during vinification.

While the Tokaj region may also produce dry and less-acclaimed red and white wines, it is the dessert wine style that truly defines the area's viticultural identity on the global stage. The emphasis on high-quality sweet wines makes this option the most accurate representation of Tokaj's wine production.