Does anyone have any experience with wines from the Tokaj region of Slovakia? I recall reading that the two neighboring regions in Slovakia and Hungary were once whole. I assume the Slovakian portion is smaller and less developed due to lack of availability of the wines. Are they made in the same way as their Hungarian brothers? Same designations? Are there any quality producers? Any information would be appreciated.
Call it Tokajský or Tokajské instead of Tokaji (‘from Tokaj’ - in Slovak), and you’re in business. A Výber (that’s Aszú - yes, in Slovak!) 6 Putňový (Puttonyos to you!) 1999 tasted recently in Spain was outstanding, and very pure, although in need of more bottle age. From a winery called Galafruit. (Sounds like a melon shipper…) More info here: http://www.tvc.sk/en
What’s now Slovakia and Hungary were both part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire until the First World War, when Austro-Hungary was broken up and Czechoslovakia and Hungary became separate countries. I believe there’s still a substantial ethnic Hungarian minority in eastern Slovakia.
It was part of the Kingdom of Hungary. After WWI, since they were on the losing side, the Kingdom was broken apart.
But yeah, as the others have said, they can make wine with the same name.
The Tokaj region is actually a collection of villages both in Hungary and in in Slovakia. When both countries were accepted in the EU, they decided to reunite the villages into a single DO. The villages in Slovakia are Velká Trna, Cerhov, Cernochov, Malá Trna, Bara, Vinicky, and Slovenské Nové Mesto. No reason they can’t make great wine other than the fact that they don’t have the same people obsessed with re-creating their legacy.
And same with wine from Austria. The border created after WWII cut through family holdings so now 40 minutes apart, you’re in different countries but geographically, geologically, and climatically, you’re in pretty much the same place on either side of the border. Different of course from Tokaj - those wines are not made in the same way - they’re botrytized, but not aszu wine.
The dif is that
Thanks guys, there is some interesting history in that area and it sounds like Tokaj can be considered one contiguous region. I will have to watch out for some Slovakian examples, though I doubt they get imported as it seems like Hungarian Tokajis have a hard enough time selling.
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Disclaimer: I represent this wine in OR. It’s also available in WA and, I believe, CA.
Cheers,
Jim
Greg – This sounds like the sort of thing Grand Wine & Liquor in Astoria might have. I’ve bought wines there from just about every other former Soviet state, from the Czech Republic to Moldovia to Armenia. Maybe we should make a trip out there.
Sure! Let’s go!
If they’re really interested, I may finally be able to get my Serbian wines in!
Just for the record, part of Ukraine used to be in the Tokaj region too. Sweet wines produced here and bottled in 500ml bottles also carry the Tokaj designation (though this could change if Ukraine becomes a member of the EU).
EDITED: 'cos I’m an idjit…
Thanks, Nayan. We’re getting a very interesting geography and history lesson here.
Greg – Let’s talk!
Have any of you managed to taste Slovak Tokaji? What would be your impressions?
Yeah guys, it would help to expound in the context of our recent dinner.
Wow, this is a revived thread from long ago.
Brent - I haven’t, at least as far as I can remember off the top. Lots of Hungarian and Austrian, but can’t remember Slovakian. Part of the reason is that all the people I know in Hungary are kind of touchy when you mention Slovakia. They claim no comparison but I would love to find out first hand. I have an idea of who I can call about it though.