Grand Tokaj Edes Szamorodni 0.5L 2021

Grand Tokaj Édes Szamorodni 2021 is a classic sweet wine from the historic Tokaj-Hegyalja region, crafted in a style that sits beautifully between late-harvest elegance and full Tokaji Aszú opulence. Made from the Furmint grape, it offers a concentrated yet finely balanced expression of sweetness, minerality and botrytis complexity. This style, “Szamorodni” – meaning “as it comes” in Polish – is produced from bunches harvested with both healthy and botrytised grapes, a traditional method that has defined Tokaj’s sweet wines for centuries.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, this Édes Szamorodni shows a luminous golden hue with amber highlights, hinting at its richness and slow development. The nose opens with layered aromas of dried apricot, acacia honey and candied orange peel, supported by notes of quince, chamomile, baking spice and a subtle, noble botrytis signature. On the palate, it is lusciously sweet but not heavy, thanks to Furmint’s naturally vibrant acidity, which keeps each sip precise and refreshing. Flavours of apricot jam, honeycomb, sultanas and baked apple unfold alongside hints of citrus zest, caramelised nuts and a gentle savoury-mineral undertone from Tokaj’s volcanic soils. The finish is long and silky, with a lingering echo of dried fruit and spice. Enjoyable now for its youthful energy and lifted fruit, this wine also has good aging potential; over the next 8–12 years it should develop deeper notes of toffee, toasted nuts and dried flowers while gaining even more harmony.

Production
The grapes for Grand Tokaj Édes Szamorodni 2021 come from selected vineyards in Tokaj-Hegyalja, a UNESCO World Heritage region renowned for its volcanic subsoils, loess topsoils and favourable microclimate along the Bodrog and Tisza rivers—conditions that are ideal for noble rot (Botrytis cinerea). Bunches are harvested by hand, ‘as they come’, with a natural mix of healthy and botrytised Furmint berries selected at optimal ripeness to achieve both concentration and freshness. In the cellar, the must is gently pressed, followed by a slow, temperature-controlled fermentation that preserves aromatics while building complexity and texture. The wine is then matured—traditionally in oak casks in the region’s cool, humid cellars—to refine structure, integrate sweetness and acidity, and develop the characteristic depth that defines authentic Édes Szamorodni.

Food & Serving
This sweet Tokaji is a superb partner for classic desserts such as apple tart, crème brûlée, fruit-based pastries, apricot or peach cobbler, and nutty cakes with almonds or walnuts. It also shines with blue cheeses (especially Roquefort, Gorgonzola or local strong cheeses), foie gras and rich pâtés, where its sweetness and acidity cut through the richness beautifully. Serve lightly chilled at 10–12°C to highlight its aromatic intensity and freshness; if opened young, a brief 15–20 minutes in the glass or a small decanter will help it open up, while more mature bottles can be gently decanted off any sediment just before serving.

Producer
Grand Tokaj is one of the key custodians of the Tokaj-Hegyalja tradition, rooted in a region often cited as the world’s first classified wine area, dating back to the 18th century. As a major producer in Hungary’s most famous wine region, Grand Tokaj works with an extensive network of growers and carefully selected vineyards to capture the full breadth of Tokaj’s volcanic terroirs. The estate has played an important role in preserving and modernising the styles that made Tokaji legendary in royal courts across Europe, from Szamorodni to Aszú. With ongoing investments in vineyard management and cellar technology, Grand Tokaj continues to showcase the balance of heritage and innovation that keeps Tokaji wines among the most distinctive dessert wines in the world.