Tokaji Pezsgö „Henye“ Brut Nature 2018

Wine Description for Tokaji Pezsgő „Henye“ Brut Nature 2018 by Királyudvar

Colour & Appearance

Intense golden yellow with brilliant clarity, threaded through with fine, persistent bubbles – a visual testament to the extended time spent ageing on the lees.

Nose

Opulent and multi-layered: ripe apples and pear compote meet exotic notes of mango and orange. Beneath these unfold honey, dried apricot and sweet flowers, complemented by a subtle toasted character. Delicate hints of tree bark and wild herbs lend the nose complexity and depth.

Palate

Marked and precise. The pronounced minerality of the Furmint grape dominates, supported by a distinct spiciness and an impressive saline finish. Despite the Brut Nature dosage (zero residual sugar), the wine never tastes austere – 54 months on the lees have bestowed it with a creamy texture and remarkable depth. The intensity is extraordinary for a sparkling wine of this provenance.

Finish

Very long and persistent, with lingering minerality and spicy notes. The finish hints at enormous ageing potential – this Pezsgő will gain further refinement over the coming years.

Grape Variety & Vinification

95% Furmint, 5% Hárslevelű – those legendary grape varieties normally responsible for Tokaj’s great sweet wines. Following traditional bottle fermentation, the wine aged for 54 months on the lees and was disgorged in October 2023. The Brut Nature dosage (no added sugar) allows the terroir and grape variety to speak freely.

Food Pairing Suggestions

An ideal partner for aromatic, spice-driven cuisine: dim sum, Vietnamese spring rolls, Thai curries with coconut milk, sushi and sashimi, but also with pan-fried veal with morels or scallops with saffron sauce. The saline minerality harmonises beautifully with oysters and seafood.

Special Characteristics

A genuine discovery: Királyudvar proves that Tokaj is not limited to sweet wines. This Pezsgő stands qualitatively on equal footing with great Champagnes, whilst offering a completely distinctive, Hungarian interpretation of sparkling wine craftsmanship.