Over 80 % of the wines offered at the fourth Great Tokaj Wine Auction were sold on Saturday 23rd April bringing the final total to 67 919 EUR (21 055 000 HUF). All the dry wines – most of them single-vineyards – were sold, showing interest in the distinct terroirs and the rapid increase in overall quality, as well as the outstanding 2015 vintage.

The 28 lots, the best barrels offered by both established and up-and-coming winemakers, offer a great opportunity to discover new vineyards and wineries and so explore the various styles of contemporary Tokaj. Thus the weekend event is the perfect opportunity to get the real picture of what is happening in production, producers and the market in the Tokaj Wine Region. Guests and buyers alike were able to taste these exclusive Tokaji wines (19 x 136-l barrel/half-barrel lots, 7 already bottled) at the blind tasting, a playful way to explore the wines before the producer/wine is revealed and the wine sold at auction. Wines will be delivered to the buyers in the bottle, with the specially designed Confrérie Auction label and all the official paperwork, before the next Auction on 22nd April 2017.

The Auction also included a charity lot, a selection of 14 Tokaji Aszú wines offered by the Mád Circle producers for the benefit of Grgic Vina, Mike Grgich’s Croatian winery which was devastated by fire in 2015.

Buyers at the Auction included wine merchants and private buyers from Hungary and abroad. New Confrérie member and holder of several prestigious sommelier titles including Meilleur Sommelier de France 2008, Manuel Peyrondet, secured over 800 bottles for his wine club Chais d’Oeuvre. He says, “My biggest pleasure is to sit by the fire with a glass of Tokaji Aszú and a freshly-baked Tarte Tatin with orange, listening to a Schubert Impromptu…”

Great Tokaj Wine Auction held in the historic town of Tokaj for the first time. After the first three Auctions in the castle of Sárospatak, the town of Tokaj was chosen as the venue this year. Thus guests were able to discover heritage venues linked to some of the numerous cultures which contributed to the fame and international character of Tokaj: the blind tasting of Auction lots was held in the Orthodox church, the intronisation in the Rákóczi Cellar, lunch in the theatre, the Auction in the Tokaj Cultural and Conference Centre, the former synagogue. These are just some of the sites which will be included in the town’s bid to become European Capital of Culture in 2024, a joint application based on cooperation with the other 26 settlements in the region.
Tokaj Spring – 3-day event celebrating and developing the rejuvenation in this historic wine region classified in the 18th century and declared a closed appellation in the world (placing it among the first in the world) in 1737, the Tokaj Wine Region was designated part of the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage in 2002. The Auction shows clearly that it is stepping into its next stage of rejuvenation after the major restructuring and changes in the 1990s. The Confrérie’s Tokaj Spring aims to bring guests close to winemakers, to explore the terroirs and their wines, to strengthen the community of Tokaj lovers. The Great Tokaj Wine Auction is the highlight of the weekend which includes vineyard tours, tastings and dinners, some by Tokaj Women and Wine, Tokaj Renaissance and Mád Circle, plus intronisation of new members. All set on the strong foundation of friendship and veneration of the region and its wines.

Intronisation of 18 new members at the ceremony in the early 14th-century Rákóczi Cellar
Two thirds hail from Hungary, one third from France, Germany, the UK and the US. They arrive from a wide variety of professional backgrounds from wine/hospitality professionals (producers, merchants, sommeliers, tourist service providers, Michelin-star restaurant owners) to experts in construction, plant genetics and biochemistry and journalists (radio, online). All share love and respect for Tokaj and its wines, an appreciation of the region’s unique volcanic/loess terroirs and a curiosity to deepen their understanding. The pride of becoming a Confrérie member was tangible, as was their commitment to the Confrérie mission to introduce the pleasure of Tokaji wines to contribute to friendship and understanding between people. The Confrérie de Tokaj aims to give public access to the enormous intellectual and spiritual history that envelops Tokaji wine.

The next Great Tokaj Wine Auction will be held on Saturday 22nd April 2017.

For more information please contact Katherine Chapman contact@tokajiborlovagrend.hu

Participating wineries range from individuals/small emerging family wineries to larger, more established estates, some owned by companies with impressive international portfolios like AXA Millésimes, Reybier. In 2016: Baranyai Béla, Barta, Basilicus, Béres, Demetervin, Disznókő, Dorogi, Erzsébet, Füleky, Gróf Degenfeld, Holdvölgy, Kvaszinger, Patricius, Samuel Tinon Grands Vins de Tokaj, Sauska Tokaj, Szent Benedek, Tokaj Crown Estates, Tokaj-Hétszőlő, and Zsirai.

The innovative, top-quality Hof van Cleve obtained its first Michelin star in 1994; its three-star rating has been retained since 2005.

Photo:Veres Viktor

Winemakers of the Balaton Region will reinforce their alliance with creating a shared product, the first regional wine. At the end of April BalatonBor will be released under a uniform label, which will also include the name of the winemaker or the cellar which produced the Olaszrizling in question.

Gábor Kardos, President of the Balaton Kör emphasized: we will create uniform labels not only on the market of wines, but also in gastronomy and tourism; BalatonBor is the first example of this effort.

The system of criteria has been established as a result of professional discussions held over a period of more than one year. Winemakers behind this system are convinced that every family cellar is the region will be committed to produce their own BalatonBor. As a result, this innovative community brand will grow stronger and stronger.

A photograph has been made showing winemakers intended to join to BalatonBor; they encircle and hold up the circular label. This large poster is aimed to illustrate the force of this joint venture.

In this edition we can find description of selected wines, information about cellars which produced these wines and important data about the location of the vineyards.

The dual-language edition is available on-line too: carbongroup.hu/borkivalosagok2015/

The five stars results:

Szarka Pince – Enikő Tokaji Cuvée 2013
Pajzos Megyer Pincészet – Pajzos Tokaji 5 puttonyos Aszú 2006
Erzsébet Pince – Tokaji Aszú 6 puttonyos 2010
Patricius Borház – Patricius Tokaji 6 puttonyos Aszú 2006
Oremus – 6 Puttonyos Tokaji Aszú 2006

Click here to view all result.

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Photo:vendeglatasmagazin.hu

Each and every winemaker personally introduced one of their wines which demonstrated the development to other winemakers and experts, including representatives of the media. Their wines exemplify this achievement, the high quality, terroir and individual style of the cellars.

The strategy of each and every winemaker was concentrated on further refinement of the quality, on reinforcing base vines and on further improvement of the technology, because adaptation to changing markets and higher expectations can not be avoided. Needless to say, as a result of different situation of each cellars, practical solutions are also vary.

In case of wineries concentrating on international success, extremely individual, refined quality must be achieved, which demands the finding of the best terroirs (perhaps property segments). Appropriate answer must be found to balance the impacts (ripening, balance of alcohol volume, sugar, acid and tannin) of climate changes. In addition, in order to achieve individual characters and primary fruity flavors and freshness, winemakers must be ready to implement innovations in barrel manufacturing and preparation.

There is no ultimate recipe to make the “best” wine, because not only basic conditions are different, but also several dozens of factors must be taken into account in parallel. Consequently, in the evolution of winemaking, adaptation and openness to changes and to improvement are decisive factors in competition.

Winemakers and experts jointly assessed the wines offered for tasting:

Jásdi Pince – Lőczedombi Olaszrizling 2013
Bott Frigyes – Super Granum 2013
Demeter Zoltán – Őszhegy Sárgamuskotály 2013
Szepsy István – Szent Tamás 2013
Figula Pincészet – Szilénusz 2012
Légli Ottó – Gesztenyés Rizling 2011
Koch Borászat – Késői Chardonnay 2013
Etyeki Kúria – Kékfrankos 2013
Balla Géza – Szikla Cuvée 2012
Gál Tibor – Superior Bikavér 2011
St. Andrea – Nagy-Eged-hegy 2011
Gróf Buttler – Nagy-Eged-hegy Syrah 2011
Bősz Adrián – Emese Cuvée 2011
Dúzsi Tamás – Görögszó 2011
Konyári Pincészet – Páva 2011
Kovács Nimród – NJK 2009
Heimann Birtok – Barbár 2009
Vylyan Pincészet – Duennium 2009
Tiffán Pincészet – Elysium 2008
Takler Pince – Regnum 2007
Malatinszky Csaba – Kúria Cabernet Franc 2007
Bock Borászat – Magnifico 2007
Hétszőlő – Késői Hárslevelű 2013
Disznókő – 6 puttonyos Aszú 1999

A day before the meeting, CEVI invited representatives of the European Parliament and administrators of the wine industry to a party held in the Embassy of Luxemburg in Brussels (Luxemburg is the current holder of EU presidency), where they repeatedly emphasized the importance of family wineries in Europe.

The aim of his series – Drinking Out Loud – is to teach less sophisticated readers of Wine Spectator. In this article he tries to explain how to select a wine.

At the beginning he introduces the wine region of Tokaj, including its geographic location and the origin of this wine. He explains that not only Furmint, but another indigenous grape variety, the Hárslevelű is also used for making aszú.

He believes that “Tokaji” is one of the wine marvels of the world. Unfortunately, in the past its quality couldn’t keep up with the rapid development of wines in other countries. By now this situation changed and Tokaj is producing large variety of wonderful wines, including the sweet aszú with excellent acidity; despite its sweetness, this wine is not too heavy.

Kramer also mentions the new Aszú Act, which in the past allowed aszú wines between 3 and 6 puttonyos. In order to improve quality, now – from the 2014 vintage – only 5 puttonyos and 6n puttonyos Tokaji Aszú wines can be offered. These wines offer inexhaustible joy even to the most experienced wine enthusiasts.

click here to view the original post.

Photo: www.pecsiborozo.hu

Popularity of the wine contest in the Pannon Wine region remains high in 2015. This year 146 wines from 54 cellars competed to reach the Top 25. Szekszárd was the most successful out of the four regions, 10 out of the Top 25 were originated from here. The second place was awarded to the Tolna region with 4 entries, followed by Pécs with 3 wines.

The winners (in ABC order):

Bock Borászat – Villányi Bock Cuvée 2011
Brunyai Pince – „Árpád” Villányi Kékfrankos 2011
Danubiana – Tolnai Chardonnay 2014
Dúzsi Tamás – Szekszárdi Merlot Rozé 2014
Eszterbauer Borászat Szekszárdi ?Mesterünk? Cuvée 2012
Fritz Borház – Szekszárdi Bikavér 2012
Fritz Borház – Szekszárdi Kékfrankos Prémium 2012
Halasi Gergely – Villányi Cabernet Franc 2011
Halmosi Pincészet – Szekszárdi Cabernet Franc 2009
Hárs Pincészet – Pécsi Cirfandli 2013
Hárs Pincészet – Pécsi Illatos Cuvée 2013
Kvassay Levente – Villányi Zöldveltelini 2014
Lelovits Tamás Pincészete – Villányi Pinot Noir 2012
Müller János – Villányi Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
Riczu-Stier Pincészet – Villányi Birtokbor 2011
Riczu-Stier Pincészet – Villányi Rozé Cuvée 2014
Schieber Pincészet – Szekszárdi “Matéria Prima” Merlot 2012
Schieber Pincészet – Szekszárdi Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2012
Takler Borbirtok – Szekszárdi Kékfrankos Reserve 2012
Tüske Pince – Szekszárdi Merlot 5BB 2012
Tűzkő Birtok – Tolnai Merlot 2012

This year almost 5000 samples from 38 countries entered into the competition. Seven gold medals were won by winemakers from Tokaj, six from Eger, three-three from Etyek and Szekszárd and one from Villány – an international success.

Hungary ranked fifth in the competition of countries. Bolyki Cellar was the most successful Hungarian competitor with 6 medals.

Sweet White Wine Special Prize Foreign

Bodnár – Tokaji Aszúessencia 2000

Gold medals

Bolyki – Meta Téma Egri Hárslevelű 2012
Bolyki – Meta Téma Grand Superior Harmadik Szüret 2013
Budaházy Fekete Kúria – Christmann Hárs 2013
Bodnár – Tokaji “Érintés” Furmint 2013
Fritz – Szekszárdi Papillon Merlot 2012
Fritz – Szekszárdi Merlot Prémium 2011
Halmosi – Szekszárdi Négykezes Merlot válogatás 2009
Lics – Pákozdi Merlot 2012
Nyakas – Menádok Budai Chardonnay 2011
Nyakas – Menádok Budai Pinot Gris 2011
Petrény – Cabernet Sauvignon Superior 2011
Pannon Tokaj – Dominium Hanna Late Harvest Cuvée 2011
Tarjányi – Egri Hárslevelű Superior 2013
Tokaj Kereskedőház – Grand Selection Tokaji Késői Arany 2013
Tokaj-Hétszőlő – Aszú 6 Puttonyos 2008
Wunderlich – Cassiopeia Merlot 2011
Vincze – Syrah Biobor 2011
Vincze – Egri Kékfrankos Arcanum 2011

Silver medals

Besenyei Borház – Egri Bikavér 2009
Bolyki – Meta Téma Grand Superior Második Szüret 2013
Bolyki és Bolyki – Egri Bikavér Superior 2012
Dúzsi Tamás – Görögszó Cuvée 2011
Egri Korona Borház – Selection Egri Cabernet Sauvignon – Kékfrankos 2009
Font – Cserszegi Fűszeres 2014
Font – Kékfrankos Rosé 2014
Halasi – VillányiAmmonites 2011
Halasi – Villányi Cuvée 2011
Ikon – Cabernet Franc Evangelista 2011
Juhász – Egri Cabernet Franc 2011
Porgányi – Tokaji Aszú 6 puttonyos 2007
Polgár – Elixir Cuvée 2011
Pántlika – Agyaglik Olaszrizlig 2012
Petrény – Merlot Superior 2011
Petrény – Padok Superior 2011
Tarjányi – Egri Turán 2012
Tokaj Kereskedőház – Grand Selection Dry Furmint 2013
Wunderlich – Cassiopeia Cabernet Sauvignon 2011
Varga József László – Badacsonyi Cabernet Franc 2011

Bronze medals

Bolyki – Egri Merlot 2012
Bolyki – Egri Bikavér 2012
Besenyei Borház – Egri Csillag 2011
Béres – Tokaji Naparany Cuvée 2012
Frizt – Szekszárdi Cabernet Franc 2012
Hagymási – Olaszrizling 2012
Juhászvin – Egri Bikavér 2011
Juhászvin – Egri Merlot Gesztenyés 2012
Gróf Buttler – Egri Syrah Superior Nagy-Eged-hegy 2011
Gróf Buttler – Phantom Egri Cuvée Superior 2011
Ostoros-Novaj Bor – Egri Bikavér 2011
Kőporos Borászat – Olaszrizling 2013
Petrény – Astra Superior Egri csillag 2011
Petrény – Big Band Superior Egri Bikavér 2009
St. Andrea – ifj. lőrincz György Egri Grand Superior 2013
Thummerer – Vili Papa Cuvée 2009
Thummerer – Egri Csillag 2013
Thummerer – Egri Chardonnay Battonage 2013
Tarjányi – Egri Csillag Superior 2013
Tokaj-Hétszőlő – Aszú 5 Puttonyos 2004
Virághegyi – Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
Virághegyi – Vezér Cuvée 2011
Vylyan – Mandolás 2011
Vesztergombi – Cabernet Sauvignon Válogatás 2012

More competition for lots was evident this year, demonstrating the expansion of the circle of buyers. As in previous auctions bidders from outside Hungary (40 % of lots sold outside Hungary) joined returning buyers and those fresh to the game. The growing number of buyers’ groups allows a wider audience the chance to obtain an exclusive lot, and thus those who prefer to be the owner of a small quantity of these wines are able to enjoy the wines previously snapped up by larger buyers which include individuals, top restaurants and wine merchants/importers. A wide diversity of wines from terroirs from across the region with particularly strong representation from Mád and then Olaszliszka. Wine journalist Caroline Gilby noted that, “It is good to see interest in the whole range of Tokaji wines on offer at the auction.”

The imposing Knights’ Hall in Sárospatak castle was once again the setting for the auction of these exclusive lots which are specially chosen for the auction and available in limited quantities only: one Gönci barrel (136 l) of dry wines and one or a half Gönci barrel (136 l / 68 l) of late harvest, dry and sweet Szamorodni and Tokaji Aszú wines. The Tokaj Wine Tasting Committee (Ronn Wiegand, MS, MW, and Gabriella Mészáros, wine educator, László Bálint) check the quality of the wines at several stages from selection to bottling. These wines, all of which will be bottled with the special Confrérie label before the next Great Tokaj Wine Auction, are not commercially available elsewhere. Lots will go to the USA, France and Germany as well as Hungary. Details about the specific lots are below.

The Great Tokaj Wine Auction is the highlight of the three-day Tokaj Spring event which naturally centres on exploring the wines of the region; guests had the opportunity to taste around 70 wines from 30 wineries. Culinary treats were provided by the Sárga Borház, Gusteau and Anyukám mondta. Alongside more familiar wine dinners, talks and vineyard tours with the winemakers, quirky events and venues included the Royal Waiting Room of Eiffel’s Nyugati station Budapest, the Tokaj Express heritage train sponsored by Ferenc Gelencser and his company Alplan, and even a horse and cart ride. Other focal points were the blind tasting of auction lots and an imaginative presentation of paintings inspired by the labels of gala dinner wines created by well-known auctioneer and new Confrérie member Nóra Winkler.

The Confrérie de Tokaj now counts around 150 professionals and wine lovers after welcoming 22 new members to its fold on Saturday. Grand Maître, Tamás Dusóczky, initiated these Tokaj lovers, the majority of whom hail from Hungary and France, but also from the US, Taiwan and Finland. This international group includes wine journalists, importers, doctors, managers, an architect, a politician, winemakers and a sommelier who all expressed their deep affection for Tokaj and its wines. Honorary Confrérie members are respected wine journalist Thierry Dessauve and auctioneer Nóra Winkler. Guests at the initiation ceremony in the stunning garden of Barta Winery were treated to soprano Katalin Gémes whose sounds filled the air and hearts of those assembled before the gala dinner.

This sunny wine weekend of lilac-scented air and excellent company provided the perfect background for another successful Great Tokaj Wine Auction. Tokaj Spring 2016 will be back with the next Great Tokaj Wine Auction in April 2016.

Pictures of Tokaj Spring 2015 are here: www.tokajiborlovagrend.hu
For more information please info@tokajiborlovagrend.hu
+36 70 612 0400

The lots sold in the order they went under the hammer at the Great Tokaj Wine Auction 2015
(136 l-barrel unless noted otherwise, exchange based on HUF/EUR: 300.85, MNB 2015.04.24. )

Demetervin – Úrágya Tokaji Hárslevelű 2006 (33.75 l)
starting price: € 1,463, hammer price: € 2,493

Mádi Borház-Baranyai Béla – 102-es hordó Tokaji Furmint 2012
starting price: € 598, hammer price: € 1,529

Samuel Tinon Grands Vins de Tokaj – Szent Tamás Furmint 2014
starting price: € 2,659, hammer price: € 4,986

Szepsy Winery – Úrágya 91 Tokaji Furmint 2014
starting price: € 5,318, hammer price: € 16,620

Barta Winery – Öreg-Király Tokaji Édes (Sweet) Szamorodni 2013 (68 l)
starting price: € 3,324, hammer price: € 4,653

Füleky Winery – Király Tokaji Late Harvest 2014
starting price: € 3,656, hammer price: € 3,989

Samuel Tinon Grands Vins de Tokaj – Tokaji Száraz (Dry) Szamorodni 2009
starting price: € 6,648, hammer price: € 9,972

Szent Tamás Winery and Vineyard, Nyulászó /1-es Hordó Tokaji Édes (Sweet) Szamorodni 2013
starting price: € 9,307, hammer price: € 13,296

Kvaszinger, Hatalos Tokaji Late Harvest 2013
starting price: € 3,989, hammer price: € 5,983

Béres Vineyards and Winery, Tokaji Aszú 6 Puttonyos Válogatás 2013 (68 l)
tarting price: € 4,321, hammer price: € 4,986

Samuel Tinon Grands Vins de Tokaj, Tokaji Aszú 5 puttonyos 2011 (68 l)
starting price: € 4,986, hammer price: € 4,986

Disznókő, Dorgó Válogatás Tokaji Aszú 5 Puttonyos 2012
starting price: € 6,315, hammer price: € 9,972

Pajzos Winery, Hosszúvölgy Tokaji Aszú 5 Puttonyos 2013
starting price: € 7,313, hammer price: € 11,301

Tokaj-Hétszőlő Winery, Tokaji Édes (Sweet) Szamorodni 2012
starting price: € 5,651, hammer price: € 5,651

The Confrérie de Tokaj receives 40 % of the after tax price to part finance the next auction and for the benefit of the Tokaj wine region, part of UNESCO World Heritage since 2002.