Royal Tokaji Wine Company came in at #22 on Drinks International’s “The World’s Most Admired Wine Brands.” This is the third consecutive year that Royal Tokaji has made the list.

“The least-known fact about Royal Tokaji, according to Charlie Mount, Royal Tokaji managing director, is that Tokaji Aszú was the most expensive wine Thomas Jefferson ever bought.

“The brand has a rich history and Jefferson was not its only high-profile fan.

“’I think we have more scope to be playful than some of our rather serious friends in France,’ Mount says.

“’Our centuries of history liberate us and inspire us to have fun with the wines rather than tie us down. Making great wines is a serious business – enjoying them needn’t be.

“’I doubt Louis XIV knew much about volcanic soils but he loved Tokaji and knew a thing or two about having a good time.’ Told you, another high-profile name.

“It is not a matter of style over substance though. ‘First and foremost we obsess over the quality of our wines,’ Mount says.

“Last year was another record one for the brand. After scoring the 2007 Essencia 100 points for the Wine Advocate, Neil Martin wrote: ‘The 2007 Essencia is a ridiculous, extraordinary, absurd, profound and downright delicious elixir that will be indelibly printed in your vinous memory. It belongs in the pages of Tolkein or JK Rowling. It is truly, truly magical.’ Another high-profile fan in the bag.”