As evidenced in Burgundy, it’s early days for Tokaj, but it will definitely be worth keeping an eye on. Of course, we’re talking about dry wines, predominantly from Furmint, but sometimes from Hárslevelű too. (If you find yourself surprised at the mention of dry Tokaj wines and are hearing about them for the first time, then take a look out at our infoposter.)
I’ve already written a few words about the vineyards and since vineyard-selected dry wines have made their presence known in the wine region for quite some time now, it seemed obvious to create a lower category, which is good value for money and easy drinking, and which demonstrates what the wine region is capable of and in larger quantities too.
Where would the first steps have been taken but in the village of Mád, from which almost all innovations have stemmed in the last 20 years. And so, MÁD Furmint was born, which has heaped success upon success in the last few years, even in the international wine press. Then Tállya and Olaszliszka followed suit. The latter is defining itself with Hárslevelű, while the first also plumped for Furmint. But enough of the stories, let’s talk about the wines instead!
Mád 2012 I 85-87 points
Ripe peach, almond, sweet spices and a little marzipan on the nose. Full bodied with rounded acids, peach and melon.
Mád 2013 I 88-90 points
Stone fruit and thermal water on the nose. Medium body, firm structure and vibrant acidity. Citrus fruit, apple, white flowers and a touch of medlar, with a long finish. Elegant.
Mád 2014 I 82-84 points
Thermal water on the nose, needs some aeration. After it clears, displays apple and citrus fruit. Bone dry with lively acidity, youthful with green apple and mineral notes.
Tállya 2013 I 83-85 points
Clove, nutmeg, plasticine, vanilla and nut brittle on the nose. On the palate, full bodied with lively acidity plenty of citrus fruit, with the barrel spices remaining in the background and an acidity-driven finish.
Olaszliszka 2013 I 84-86 points
Concentrated linden blossom on the nose, with a little petrol, honey, apple and peach in the background. The palate is medium bodied, with lively acidity, peach, melon, citrus and flowers.
Olaszliszka 2014 I 85-87 points
Plenty of citrus and little sultriness on the nose. Full bodied, with lovely acidity, green apple, flowers and some tonic water bitterness on the finish.
