Tokaji Oremus Aszú 6 Puttonyos 2017

Oremus belongs to the Tempos Vega Sicilia group and works in Tokaj-Hegyalja in northeast Hungary, ageing its wines in a labyrinth of cellars carved into the rock since the 13th century. This Aszú 6 Puttonyos is made from Furmint with Zéta, Hárslevelü and Sárgamuskotály, grown on volcanic soils across the region's hills. The continental climate and the river mists of autumn bring Botrytis cinerea, the noble rot that shrivels the grapes and concentrates their sugar, acid and flavour. The dried Aszú berries are hand selected, worked into a paste and steeped in base wine, then slowly fermented and aged at length in barrel in the cool underground galleries. Six puttonyos marks the highest everyday level of Aszú, giving greater sweetness and concentration than the five puttonyos bottling. The colour is deep amber gold. The nose is intense, with dried apricot, orange marmalade and honey over marzipan and a candied citrus peel lift. The palate is lush and viscous yet held in fine balance by Furmint's sharp acidity, the low 10 percent alcohol leaving it long and clean. Serve chilled at around 10C in a small glass.