Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/961311
66 { THE SOMM JOURNAL } APRIL/MAY 2018 ending. During his welcoming remarks, Dr. Ákos Horváth, Agricultural Attaché for the Embassy, said the "Year of Aszú" campaign serves to crystallize the message that as "a symbol of exclusivity and nobility, Aszú is significantly more than the best dessert wine in the world." Ambassador Szabó, reflecting on Aszú's place in history, noted that Tokaji Aszú was favored by compos - ers like Beethoven and Schubert, as well as Russian czars and European leaders like Franz Joseph I of Austria and Queen Victoria of England. "Anyone who has ever tasted Tokaji Aszú realizes that it is unique—a wine unlike anywhere else in the world," he told the guests. "So, when we introduce our country to new friends, we begin with the wines: Through them, you can experience the story of Hungary." With that, Péter Molnár, the General Manager of Hungary's Patricius Winery, delved into an in-depth presentation de - tailing the rich history, volcanic terroir, and the centuries-long viticultural traditions and practices that have defined and dis- tinguished Tokaji Aszú since the mid-16th century. Molnár, who also serves as Presi- dent of the Viticultural Section of Tokaj Re- gional Council of Wine Communities, also delv ed into the singular art of "puttonyos": the maceration of dried, botrytis-infected ("aszú") berries in a base wine to heighten both flavor and sweetness. "Tokaji Aszú represents balance and uniqueness, and Tokaj is the optimal wine - growing region for the best natural sweet wines with elegance and purity. A gift from nature, this wine requires a certain loca - tion, climate, and microclimate condition, and the very rich volcanic base rocks at- tribute to the high minerality," Molnár told guests. "The terroir in this wine is quite apparent, reflecting the colorful diversity in the vineyards. An important part of our winemaking philosophy is a smooth bottle- aging process, which completes the wine and refines the balance." The tasting led up to the reveal of the evening's crowning jewel, which was, as Ambassador Szabó had promised, "a rare and exquisite treat": an exclusive tasting of the 2008 Royal Tokaji Essen - cia served in crystal spoons, of which one serving typically costs roughly $140. "This is a wine born without pressing: The weight of its own must squeezes a few precious drops of nectar from the grapes," explained Ambassador Szabó. "Tokaji Essencia is one of the world's rar - Péter Molnár, General Manager of Patricius Winery and President of the Viticultural Section of Tokaj Regional Council of Wine Communities, delivers a presentation on Tokaji Aszú at the Embassy of Hungary. During the presentation, guests sampled a delectable selection of Aszú wines from reputable Hungarian wineries paired with a selection of both savory and sweet bites. The lineup of wines included Béres 2008 5 Puttonyos; Gróf Degenfeld 2013 6 Puttonyos; Chateau Dereszla 2009 5 Puttonyos; Grand Tokaj 2013 5 Puttonyos; Patricius 2006 6 Puttonyos; and Royal Tokaji Red Label 2013 5 Puttonyos.