Incomparable Soil
The vineyards are planted on South/Southeast-facing slopes of alluvial and clay soil on volcanic bedrock. The finest estates are on the slopes overlooking the town of Tokaj with a special microclimate conducive to developing "noble rot" (Botrytis cinerea).
This rare condition is what enables Tokaj to produce the world's best late-harvest dessert wines—all-naturally sweetened within the grape before it is picked from the vine.
Cellars Carved Out of Solid Rock
Tokaj cellars are unique in all the world, forming labyrinths up to 20 miles long in volcanic mountain rock. Here you can find wines made over 300 years ago, covered with the famous mold that allows them to age indefinitely.
The cellars maintain natural, constant levels of temperature and humidity, between 78 and 98 percent, and provide ideal conditions for storing and aging Tokaj wines, especially the famous Aszú dessert wines.
Vineyard Area
Tokaj's vineyard area is strictly delimited, less than 13,500 acres in 26 villages with well-defined regulations going back to the 16th century.
Traditions of a Winemaking People
Tokaj wines are created by highly-skilled growers, winemakers and workers who have been raised in the winegrowing tradition going back generations.
Centuries of Unparalleled Quality
Proudly sung of in the Hungarian national anthem, "Thou hast made nectar drip out of the vines of Tokaj", the reputation of Tokaj wines has been widespread throughout Europe. For more than three centuries, Tokaj wines have been served at the tables of all European Kings and are considered by many to be the finest white wines in the world.
Hétszölö
The estate was owned for centuries by the Austro-Hungarian Emperors: The Habsburg crown. It is the only large property within Tokaj township limits, the place which gave its name to the entire apellation.
Facing due south, overlooking the town and the Tisza river, the Hétszölö estate is also exceedingly rare in having loess soil. The combination of unique soil, microclimate, and ideal exposure to the sun, gives these wines their special bouquet and famously smooth flavor. For all these reasons, Hétszölö is classified "exceptional growth" (grand cru) at the very top of the quality pyramid.
The estate has a long, remarkable history. It was created in January 1502 by the noted GARAY family, who consolidated seven smaller plots belonging to different owners (Hétszölö means "seven vines" in Hungarian).
The estate later came into the hands of Gaspar KAROLYI, the famous reform preacher and first translator of the Bible into Hungarian. However, the most famous owners were undoubtedly the Princes of RAKOCZI, who were actively involved in runnning the estate between 1646 and 1711. During the latter year, Hétszölö was taken over by the imperial crown and was administered by the Austro-Hungarian empire for over two centuries.
The estate is officially listed as having the finest vines in the entire Tokaj region. As we near the 21st century, the resurrection of this prestigious estate is a marvelous symbol and delight to all wine lovers.
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