Drink Tokaji Aszú before you die!
Why? Dubbed the wine of kings and the king of wines, this golden nectar was nearly lost to the ruthless senselessness of Communism. Thankfully, it was rescued once the Iron Curtain fell.
Ten Second Summary
- What it is: Tokaji Aszú 5 puttonyos is one of Hungary's great sweet wines, made in the historic Tokaj region from botrytised grapes affected by noble rot.
- Tastes like: Apricot jam, orange peel, marmalade, honey, saffron, spice, and vivid acidity wrapped in a luscious, velvety texture.
- Buying shortcut: Look for a strong producer such as Szepsy, Royal Tokaji, or Disznókő ↓ and make sure it's 5 puttonyos (or 6 puttonyos ... even sweeter!)
- Best with: Blue cheese, foie gras, fruit tarts, almond desserts, or simply on its own as a contemplative after-dinner wine.
- When to drink: Many are delicious on release, but the best bottles can age beautifully for decades.
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| Tokaji Aszú 5 Puttonyos from Disznókő, one of Hungary's most iconic sweet wines | © Disznókő |
What's on this page
Why drink Tokaji Aszú 5 puttonyos before you die?
The region of Tokaj in Hungary has been making wine for at least 1,000 years. Records suggest it was the first region to make wine from grapes infected with the benevolent fungus Botrytis cinerea, known locally as aszú. They've been doing this since the 1500s. And laws regulating how Tokaji is produced have been enforced since 1737, making it one of the oldest delimited wine regions in the world.
This sweet, luxurious, velvety liquid gold was a favourite of King Louis XIV of France and became a staple of the French royal court during the 1700s. It also struck a chord with the Russian imperial court, the Habsburg monarchy, and of course the Hungarian nobility. Hence, it became known as the wine of kings and king of wines. Only the Cape of Good Hope's Constantia rivalled the reputation of Tokaji during this period.
Great sweet wine should never be one-dimensional sugar syrup. The best Tokaji wine combines richness with freshness, sweetness with lift, and decadence with precision. That is exactly why Tokaji Aszú 5 puttonyos (or 6 puttonyos!) deserves a place on any serious wine bucket list.
What is Tokaji wine?
Tokaji wine comes from the historic Tokaj region in north-east Hungary. It is most famous for Tokaji Aszú, the sweet wine style made from shrivelled, botrytised grapes that are painstakingly picked berry by berry. These aszú berries are intensely concentrated, packed with sugar, acidity, and extraordinary flavour.
In the traditional method, the aszú berries were added to a base wine or must, allowing the sugars and flavours to be extracted. This helped create the rich yet vibrant style for which Tokaji became famous. The result is not just a sweet wine, but one of the most distinctive sweet wines in the world.
If you are interested in classic wine styles with real history, real individuality, and real nobility, Tokaji wine is impossible to ignore.
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| Hand-picking aszú berries in Tokaj: the painstaking harvest behind great Tokaji wine | © Disznókő |
What does puttonyos mean?
Puttonyos (singular: puttony) were the traditional 25-litre wooden hod baskets used to harvest botrytised aszú grapes in Tokaj. When making Tokaji Aszú, these concentrated berries were added to barrels of base wine — the more puttonyos added, the sweeter and more concentrated the finished wine. Five puttonyos indicates a richly sweet, intensely flavoured style; six puttonyos is richer and more intense still.
Beyond six puttonyos sits the almost mythical Eszencia (or Essencia), made purely from the free-run juice of the aszú berries themselves. It can contain hundreds of grams of residual sugar per litre and may take decades to fully ferment. It is one of the most extraordinary — and extraordinarily rare — sweet wines on earth.
Three and four puttonyos wines are also available and genuinely delicious — refreshing, gently sweet, and a good introduction to the style. But for a bucket list wine, it has to be at least five puttonyos. It gives you all the honeyed, botrytised opulence Tokaji is famous for, but still with terrific freshness and drinkability. The difference in intensity and complexity between a three and a five puttonyos is substantial.
How Tokaji nearly disappeared
It all became a bit of a shambles when Communism arrived in its glorious ignorance after World War II. Volume became the mantra, with tradition and quality pushed aside. One of the world's most storied sweet wines was reduced to something far less noble than it had been.
Thankfully, Tokaji did not stay lost. After the Iron Curtain fell, investment, expertise, and renewed ambition helped revive this legendary wine. That revival matters because Tokaji is not just another sweet wine. It is one of the great historic wines of Europe.
The significance and uniqueness of Tokaj's winemaking culture and traditions were further recognised in 2002, when the region became a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Watch: Hugh Johnson on the revival of Tokaji wine
Legendary wine writer Hugh Johnson played a visible role in the post-Communist revival of Tokaji. If you want a little more background on how this historic region found its way back after decades of decline, this is well worth a watch.
Hugh Johnson discusses Tokaji wine and the revival of one of Hungary's greatest sweet wine traditions.
Best Tokaji Aszú producers
If you want to tick Tokaji Aszú 5 puttonyos off your wine bucket list, the following producers are a superb place to start. Each represents a different facet of what this extraordinary region can do at its best.
1) István Szepsy
If there is one name synonymous with the modern greatness of Tokaji, it is István Szepsy. His family has been making wine in Tokaj since at least 1502, and Szepsy himself was a central figure in the post-Communist revival — not just as a producer, but as a philosophical and technical driving force whose influence shaped an entire generation of winemakers in the region.
The wines are made from single vineyards — most famously Úrágya and Király — and they are extraordinary: intensely concentrated, hauntingly complex, and built to age for decades. Szepsy was also a pioneer of premium dry Furmint, helping to establish Tokaj's credentials well beyond the sweet wine category. Production is tiny and demand consistently exceeds supply. When you find these wines, buy them.
Find István Szepsy on Wine-Searcher
2) Royal Tokaji Company
Co-founded in 1990 by legendary British wine writer Hugh Johnson — along with a group of investors including winemaker Peter Vinding-Diers — Royal Tokaji was one of the very first private wine companies established in Hungary after the fall of communism. It was a bold and timely intervention that helped restore global attention to a wine that had spent decades in decline.
Royal Tokaji's founding philosophy was to revive the single-vineyard traditions that had made Tokaji famous centuries earlier. Today the company makes wines from some of the region's finest classified sites, including the first-growth vineyards of Mézes Mály, Betsek, Nyulászó, and Szt. Tamás. The multi-vineyard Blue Label is the most widely available entry point and a consistently excellent place to start. The single-vineyard cuvées are on another level again, and the ultra-rare Essencia — made from pure free-run aszú juice — is one of the most remarkable sweet wines on earth.
Find Royal Tokaji on Wine-Searcher
3) Disznókő
With records dating back to 1413, Disznókő — whose name translates as "boar's stone" — is one of the most historically significant estates in Tokaj. The property was acquired in 1992 by AXA Millésimes, the French wine investment arm that also stewards Pichon Baron in Pauillac and Château Suduiraut in Sauternes, among other prestigious estates worldwide. Their involvement brought significant resources and rigorous winemaking standards to Disznókő.
The result is wines that are precise, well-structured, and consistently excellent across vintages — especially the 5 puttonyos Aszú, which is one of the more widely available premium Tokaji options. Rich without being heavy, sweet without being cloying, and refreshed throughout by a vivid thread of acidity, Disznókő's Aszú is a reliable benchmark for the appellation and a very good introduction for those new to the style.
Find Disznókő on Wine-Searcher
4) Oremus
Oremus is one of the oldest estates in the Tokaj region, with a history stretching back centuries. In 1993 the property was acquired by Bodegas Vega Sicilia — the legendary estate from Ribera del Duero widely regarded as one of Spain's greatest wine producers. Their involvement brought both the financial backing and the winemaking philosophy needed to restore Oremus to something approaching its historic potential.
The flagship Aszú wines, particularly those from the Mandolás vineyard, are among the most elegant and restrained in the appellation. Where some Tokaji leans into sheer richness and power, Oremus tends toward refinement and precision — wines that reward patience and repay cellaring handsomely. Oremus also produces premium dry Furmint, well worth seeking out if you want to explore Tokaj beyond its sweet styles.
5) Tokaj-Hétszőlő
The name Hétszőlő means "seven vines" in Hungarian, and refers to one of the oldest and most historically celebrated vineyard sites in the entire Tokaj region. The estate's origins reach back to medieval times, and for centuries it was associated with the Hungarian royal court. It holds first-growth classification in the historic Tokaj vineyard ranking — a distinction shared by only a handful of sites.
Today, Hétszőlő produces wines that combine power and elegance in equal measure: deeply concentrated Aszú with layers of dried fruit, honey, and spice, lifted by the vibrant acidity that is the hallmark of great Tokaji. These are wines for the cellar as much as the table, but they reward those willing to wait. A serious and historic name that deserves to be better known outside Hungary.
Find Tokaj-Hétszőlő on Wine-Searcher
6) Patricius
Patricius is a well-regarded family-owned estate that has built a strong reputation among Tokaj's newer generation of quality-focused producers. The wines are made with care and precision, with a clear focus on expressing the region's distinctive volcanic terroir rather than chasing richness for its own sake.
The Aszú wines from Patricius offer excellent quality at prices that are more accessible than some of the bigger international names on this list — which makes them a particularly good entry point for those exploring Tokaji for the first time, or looking for a reliable producer to return to regularly. Drink well young, but structured enough to develop further in the bottle.
Find Patricius on Wine-Searcher
Best years for Tokaji Aszú
Becase Tokaji Aszú is a botrytis-dependent wine weather conditions during the growing season can have a huge impact on quality, just like with the more famous Sauternes wines from Bordeaux. Noble rot (Botrytis cinerea) requires very specific conditions — warm, misty autumn mornings followed by dry, sunny afternoons — and not every year delivers them reliably. When the conditions are right, the results can be extraordinary. Here are the standout vintages to look for.
2025 — Very Good (preliminary)
The 2025 vintage is still extremely young — the wines are not yet bottled or released, and any assessment at this stage reflects early barrel sample evaluations rather than finished wine. Initial reports suggest a very good year, with attractive botrytis development producing wines of good concentration and freshness. One to watch closely as the wines come to market over the next few years. Early indications are encouraging.
2023 — Good
A variable vintage in Tokaj, shaped by a warm, dry autumn that produced uneven botrytis development across the region. The misty morning conditions that Botrytis cinerea depends on were less reliable than in the great years, which translates to inconsistency between producers and vineyards. The best estates were able to select carefully and produce wines of genuine quality and charm, but this is a year where producer choice matters more than usual. Stick to the top names and your experience will be a good one — just temper expectations slightly compared to the standout vintages listed below.
2021 — Exceptional
A superb vintage in Tokaj, with near-ideal conditions for botrytis development producing aszú berries of exceptional concentration and quality across the region. The resulting wines combine the opulent richness Tokaji is famous for with the vivid acidity and structural precision that separates the great years from the merely good ones. The 2021s are already showing beautifully and have every indication of developing further over decades in the cellar. A modern classic and one of the finest years of the post-Communist revival era.
2017 — Exceptional
Widely regarded as one of the finest Tokaji vintages of the modern era. Warm, dry conditions produced superb botrytis development and exceptional concentration, balanced by freshness and precision. The 2017s are already drinking beautifully and have the structure to evolve for decades.
2013 — Outstanding
A classic Tokaji vintage with excellent botrytis development and ideal ripeness across the region. The 2013s are structured, complex, and have exceptional ageing potential. Among the most sought-after recent releases from the top producers.
2007 — Excellent
A warm, generous vintage that produced rich, opulent Aszú wines with impressive concentration and depth. The 2007s are drinking well now but will continue to develop over many more years in the cellar.
2005 — A Modern Benchmark
Perhaps the most celebrated Tokaji vintage of the 2000s. Perfect botrytis conditions combined with ideal autumn weather to produce wines of extraordinary depth, complexity, and balance. The 2005s remain among the most sought-after Tokaji wines on the secondary market and represent the standard against which other modern vintages are commonly measured.
2000 — Excellent
One of the first great vintages of the post-Communist revival era, demonstrating conclusively that Tokaj had firmly reclaimed its place among the world's great sweet wine regions. The best 2000s are still evolving beautifully.
How to drink Tokaji Aszú
Tokaji Aszú is brilliant with food, but it also shines on its own. Try it with blue cheese, pâté, fruit-based desserts, or nutty pastries. It can also be magnificent simply served in a small glass at the end of the evening when you want something rich, civilised, and memorable.
A lot of sweet wines become tiring after a glass. Good Tokaji does not. That cleansing acidity is the secret. It keeps the wine alive, bright, and deeply moreish.
In other words, this is not just dessert wine. It is one of the world's great drinks.
Frequently asked questions about Tokaji Aszú
What is Tokaji Aszú 5 puttonyos?
Tokaji Aszú 5 puttonyos is a classic Hungarian sweet wine from the Tokaj region, made using botrytised aszú grapes. The 5 puttonyos level indicates a richly sweet, intensely concentrated style with substantial sweetness balanced by high acidity.
What does puttonyos mean in Tokaji?
Puttonyos were the traditional wooden baskets once used to measure the quantity of concentrated aszú berries added during production. More puttonyos traditionally meant a sweeter, more concentrated wine. Five puttonyos is richly sweet; six puttonyos is even richer and more intense again.
What does Tokaji Aszú taste like?
Great Tokaji Aszú typically tastes of apricot, marmalade, orange peel, honey, spice, and sometimes saffron or dried fruits, all carried by a luscious texture and bright, cleansing acidity.
Is Tokaji wine very sweet?
Yes, Tokaji Aszú is definitely a sweet wine — but the best examples are beautifully balanced by vibrant acidity, which stops them from feeling cloying or heavy. That balance is what separates great Tokaji from ordinary dessert wine.
What are the best vintages for Tokaji Aszú?
The standout modern vintages are 2017, 2013, 2007, 2005, and 2000. Of these, 2005 is widely considered the benchmark vintage of the post-Communist revival era — still drinking beautifully and available on the secondary market.
Is Tokaji one of the world's great sweet wines?
Absolutely. Tokaji has one of the great reputations in wine history and has long been regarded as one of the world's finest and most distinctive sweet wine styles. Its combination of rich sweetness, vivid acidity, and extraordinary complexity — built over more than 500 years of winemaking tradition — sets it apart from virtually every other sweet wine on earth.
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