The Hungarian grapes Furmint, Hárslevelű and the red Kadarka (sometimes called Gamza) not well known yet make some wonderful wines you will want to get to know, from Zsirai, a small sustainable producer new to our market. All the wines are well priced, actually, for the quality are bargains, especially the dessert wines. The Tokaji Furmint is fragrant with honey and lemon zest, has a lovely beeswaxy texture, a slightly salty, lemony character and a long finish. Chardonnay lovers, give this wine a try. The Tokaji Hárslevelű is a little spicy, meatier, with some weight and lots of freshness. The Villányi Múzsa Kadarka is a fetching cherry colour, super fresh. Gamay-ish aroma, has presence.
Then there are the sweet wines. The Tokaj region has long been known as the home of incredibly luscious, long-lasting sweet wines painstakingly made by hand. The beauty of these dessert wines lies in their balance. Although they are decadently sweet, they are always fresh in the mouth due to the naturally high acidity. The 2012 Tokaji Szamorodni has beautifully complex spice notes, well-integrated sweetness and a finish that goes on for minutes. Have this with the leftover Christmas cake. The Aszu category of Tokaj wines have grapes affected by noble rot added to the must, giving the the wines even more complex and unique flavours. They are rare wines and last for decades. The 2009 Tokaji Aszú 6 Puttonyos is heady, yet the freshness is astounding.