Complex sweet white wine with an intense, very rich aroma of vanilla, yellow-fleshed fruits, plenty of spices, citrus fruits, apricot, pear and ripe apples. The balance is tilting towards sugar, with a soft and creamy texture and a firmer, more developed botrytis character. Tantalising layers of apricot, yellow-fleshed peach, raisin, vanilla, sweet spices, ripe apple and quince on the palate round-out a memorable drink.

Food Pairing

It is the perfect drink accompaniment to Asian fusion dishes, air-dried ham and desserts. It goes very well with blue cheese including Gorgonzola, Stilton and Roquefort, as well as charcuterie.

Serving temperature: 12-14°C

Expert Opinion

Ronan Sayburn - Master Sommelier - 95 points - Decanter Wines of the Year 2020

Exotic and complex nose with tropical fruit, mango, lychee. Lovely intensity but at the same time, slightly restrained, more elegant. Beautiful balance, fresh acidity, very long finish. Very refreshing while indulgently sweet.

Grape variety: Furmint

Soil type: Rhyolite, quartz and andesite

Fermentation: Spontaneous fermentation in oak barrel

Ageing: 9 months in oak barrel

Alcohol content: 10.0%                   

Bottle size: 0.5l

Specialty: Vegan

Awards:

Decanter Wines of the Year 2020 - Top 15 Wines

Vinagora International Wine Competition 2020 - Gold Medal

Women's Wine and Spirits Award 2020 - Gold Medal

Balassa Winery, Tokaj - Protected Designation of Origin (PDO)

The boutique Balassa winery was established in 2005 by Istvan Balassa in the historic Tokaj wine region. Right from the beginning, Istvan, a perfectionist, has been determined to produce only the highest-quality wines possible by maximising the potential of each vintage. It all starts with growing grapes of an outstanding quality, applying a rigorous approach to cultivation. Each wine is then created using artisanal wine-making methods, highlighting the unique characteristics of the grape, the vineyard and the terroir.

Stir-Fry with Chili Oil

This simple recipe makes for a quick wholesome dinner, ideal for coeliacs and lovers of oriental flavours. Just make sure that you keep an eye out for fridge raiders if you decide to take the leftovers into the office the next day.

Hungarian Honey Slice

Delicious soft pastry flavoured with honey, filled with a rich, vanilla custard butter cream that is topped with moreish chocolate and sprinkled with crunchy walnuts.