Pop quiz: Where is Tokaji wine from?

If your answer was "I don't know" or "hmm, maybe Japan?", then it's time to get acquainted, because this is one of the most thrilling categories of wines. 

So, why should you care about Tokaj (pronounced "toe-kai") wines? Picture this: a magical landscape filled with volcanic soils, noble rot, and unique grape varieties that come together to create incredibly flavorful wines that are nothing short of extraordinary. If you've never experienced a sweet Tokaji wine before, prepare to have your world rocked – and your glass refilled.

The Tokaj wine region in Hungary is well-known for its unique terroir and volcanic soils, which are ideal for producing world-class wines. The region's climate, combined with its soil composition, allows the grapes to develop the necessary conditions for one of the wine world's great miracles to occur – noble rot – which is essential for creating the distinct flavors of Tokaji.

The "rot" is caused by Botrytis Cinerea, is a type of mold responsible for creating  world famous sweet wines from Sauternes, the Loire, Alsace, Germany, and of course from Tokaj. The Botrytis helps to produce sweet wine by drying out grapes while they are still on the vine, dehydrating them and concentrating the natural sugars. It also sometimes imparts unique and complex flavours of ginger, marmalade, saffron, and honey.

 

Enter Juliet Victor, one of the top wineries in the heart of Tokaj, that has gained recognition for their quality and have been awarded at international wine competitions. The winery's Head Winemaker and Viticulturist, Zsolt Vincze, is no stranger to winemaking greatness. In fact, he was tutored by his father-in-law, István Szepsy, who is indisputably Hungary's most influential winemaker. Talk about some serious wine pedigree!

Juliet Victor's offerings range from dry Furmint wines to traditional sweet Tokaji wines, like Aszú and Szamorodni. These exquisite creations are born from a blend of sweet Furmint, Hárslevelű, and Yellow Muscat grapes. The winery strives to strike a balance between history and modernity, employing high-tech production methods alongside the region's historical terroir.

Mark Varadi, Managing Director of Juliet Victor Vineyards.

Seizing the opportunity to advance Hungarian winemaking, Mark Varadi now helms the Juliet Victor Vineyards, taking over from founder and father Jozsef Varadi. Mark has played a significant role in the winery's early days, helping it gain a solid footing in the world of wine, and Juliet Victor's products have already been present in Singapore In 2021. 

With an eye on the future, Mark is eager to share more of Hungary's rich winemaking heritage and elevate his family business into a new era. As Managing Director of Juliet Victor Vineyards, he hopes Singapores and the world would taste the exceptional wines that this Hungarian winery has to offer.

 

You'll be able to enjoy these fabulous wines at fine dining restaurants and wine bars such as Odette, 28 Wilkie, and 67 Pall Mall. If you prefer to sip in the comfort of your own home, fret not! Juliet Victor's wines are also available through their Singapore website, Juliet Victor Asia.

And if you're still having trouble pronouncing Tokaji, once again, it's pronounced "toe-kai". Trust us, this is a drinks order you don't want to miss!

Kanpai!

88 Bamboo Editorial Team