Tokaji Cuvée Ilona 2016 500ml

Wine Description for Tokaji Cuvée Ilona 2016 500ml by Királyudvar

Colour & Appearance

In the glass, the Ilona glows in a rich, amber gold – warm, inviting and with a depth that already hints at the concentration within.

Nose

The nose surprises with its restrained elegance: no opulence for opulence’s sake, but finely chiselled aromas of candied orange peel, kumquats and ripe stone fruit. Beneath shimmer notes of black tea, Turkish mocha with cardamom, beeswax and a hint of Cointreau. A dessert wine that whispers rather than shouts.

Palate

On the palate, the full power of this extraordinary wine unfolds: viscous, concentrated and expansive – and yet carried by a compelling energy. The over 9 g/l acidity drives the lush 158 g/l residual sugar with precision and verve across the palate, never slipping into heaviness or stickiness. Juicy, partly fresh, partly raisined fruit merges with a slightly sharp spice into an almost seamless flow.

Finish

Long, saline, endless. In the finale, a fine minerality and salinity joins in, accompanied by a cool infusion of black tea. The finish seems never to end – a sign of great class.

Terroir & Origin

The grapes come from the renowned vineyard sites Betsek, Suba, Danczka and Lapis in the heart of Tokaj, one of the oldest and most significant sweet wine regions in the world. Harvested in late October 2016 – late enough to achieve maximum ripeness and concentration.

Grape Variety & Vinification

A classic Tokaji cuvée of 60% Furmint, 25% Hárslevelű and 15% Sárga Muskotály (Muscat). Five months‘ ageing in a 2.5-hectolitre barrel of Slavonian oak gives the wine structure and depth without overwhelming the fruit. Bottled at 10% alcohol and a pH of 3.26.

Food Pairing Suggestions

A versatile companion at table: classically with blue cheese with table water and firm spiced bread, surprisingly harmonious with a crustacean bisque with langoustine saffron cabbage tartlet and of course irresistible with profiteroles with candied fruits and vanilla caramel cream.

Special Features

The Ilona is a wine for the long haul. Its firm acidity structure guarantees ageing potential of several decades – those with patience will be rewarded with increasing complexity and depth. A small masterpiece from one of Hungary’s most exciting wine estates.