October

“Our wines are not made from a single mould. They bear the mark of the vintage. In 2023 — unlike many — we waited out the rain, the grapes ripened beautifully and there were even botrytised berries in the harvest. Our wines became more pronounced and fuller, they will be perfect for the holidays," says Imre Györgykovács about his 32nd vintage, in which he ultimately made only two wines – the yield from the 0.04-hectare Sárgamuskotály (Muscat Blanc) parcel was so small that he decided it was better to blend it with the Tramini.

In August, ice-cold sample bottles of Tokaj were lined up on the table, labelled in delicate lettering. They were the latest wines from Zoltán Demeter, including a new release. For years, the estate's dry wines have been characterised by what in Tokaj was a previously unknown lightness and finesse. Instead of the typically powerful, deeply mineral profile, Zoltán Demeter has moved towards elegance. This is now the latest in a series of vintages in which he presents us with relaxed, yet infinitely elegant and smooth wines.

Seven hectares of old-vine vineyards, a human-scale winery in which every detail has a purpose. It's that kind of artisanal authenticity, whereby everything from the pruning to the labelling is in the hands of the winemaker.