Welcome to Hungary’s Sweet Wine Capital
Üdvözöljük (welcome to) the small town of Tokaj – the white wine capital of Hungary! Tokaj, which is world famously known for its exceptionally delicious sweet white wines, has dozens, if not hundreds of different wine cellars and producers in the microscopic town. So, of all of these different manufacturers to choose from while in Tokaj, you might wonder what makes Erzsébet Pince so unique and special.
Founded in 1992, Erzsébet’s first vintage is from 1993. While a relatively young winery, don’t let that fool your expectations of their merit, quality and status in the Tokaj community.
With only 10,000 bottles made annually, the tiny production is still nothing to sniff at.
“We don’t care about quantity, we care about quality,” says Hajni Pracser, the co-owner of the wine cellar.
Breaking Tokaj Traditions: The Furmint Pioneers
With 13 hectares of vineyards all over Tokaj, the majority of their wines are the furmint. A frizzante style of wine, a.k.a. sparkling wine, is not a typical wine cultivated in Tokaj. Traditionally speaking, Tokaj is known primarily for their sweet wines, with a few outliers of dry and most recently sparkling. The region only started making dry white wines in the year 2000, but the sweet wines date back to the 1500s – which is hard to wrap my American brain around.
After the Phylloxera, all the plantations died from the virus, and they reconsidered what they should plant. They decided on 70% of that to be furmint. But there are only 6 types of grapes you can grow, otherwise you would need a permit to grow something outside of those specified grape types. And even if you are lucky enough to get a permit, you are not legally allowed to call it a Tokaj wine – because standards and traditions, don’t you know?
Having said all this, Erzsébet Pince has tackled those pesky obstacles in a graceful manner.
The Tasting Experience: Reservations Required
Though there may not be many wines to choose from, you’re not going to be disappointed with what you do end up tasting. You do in fact need to make a reservation before coming for a tasting which is unusual at most cellars in Tokaj, but because they are so small and so busy with tourists, they don’t have occupancy for more than so many people at one time per day.
To see more photos of Erzsébet Pince, click here
Hajni does love to show people around the cellar though, and to tell the history of how they started and what their wines are all about.
Descending Into Wine Heaven: The Cellar Experience
With a very typically constructed wine cellar, walking underground into an almost cave-like setting, you’ll find mold, cobwebs and an overall vampiresque feel when you enter. There are wine barrels galore and bottles of wine scattered here, there and everywhere. Almost so many your eyes can’t believe what you’re seeing.
Premium Quality at Premium Prices
Pricing is higher than the average Tokaj wines found in town. With their most prestigious in the hundred dollar range, but you can still get lower cost bottles here. However, no matter which variety you choose, the quality is all the same – excellent.
Beyond Wine: The Complete Tokaj Experience
Not only do the owners run this classic cellar, but they also manage the Tokaj Roasting Company next door. If you’re in the mood for a nice pick-me-up after the wine tasting, you might pop in and relax on one of their delightfully comfortable sofas, or sit under a tree for some shade outside.
Get Lost with Lisa 