Disznókö Tokaji Aszú 5 Puttonyos 2014

Disznókö is a leading estate in Tokaj-Hegyalja in northeast Hungary, named after a boar shaped rock at the foot of its vineyards. This Aszú 5 Puttonyos blends Furmint and Hárslevelü grown on volcanic and clay soils, where the slopes and the autumn mists rising off the rivers create ideal conditions for Botrytis cinerea. The noble rot shrivels the berries and concentrates their sugar, acid and aromatics. Pickers move through the vines two to four times a day to gather the Aszú berries at the right moment, a slow, selective harvest that underpins the wine's quality. The dried berries are macerated into base wine, fermented gently and aged in barrel, where oak and slow oxygen exchange add a caramel and spice depth while the high natural acidity stays intact. The vintage came from a fresh harvest with lively acidity. The colour is bright gold. The nose offers dried apricot, mango and caramel with fresh honey and exotic spice. The palate is luscious and concentrated yet kept long and fresh by acidity rather than turning heavy. Serve chilled at around 10C in a small glass. It pairs with blue cheese and fruit desserts.