“The familiar taste of something very different”

What is The Oddity?
The Oddity is a celebration of the diversity to be found in the wide world of wine. The Furmint grape variety does not yet enjoy an international reputation but Royal Tokaji feels it deserves one. Royal Tokaji was founded in 1990; its first mission was to recreate the wine that for centuries was considered amongst the very finest in the world, the legendary Tokaji aszú.

Royal Tokaji’s dedication has led the winery to the growing realization that Furmint has the potential to make not only great sweet wines, but also dry wines of particular class and charm. The same ripeness, aromatics and acidity which grace the aszú wines can also, with time and skill, create dry wines equally capable of greatness. For over 20 years Royal Tokaji has been refining its knowledge of this wonderful grape variety.

A mild and dry winter, then a long, mild spring, led to an unusually long flowering season and some uneven fruit set. Summer was almost perfect, but for some hail, which did not do serious damage. Alas, September rains brought picking challenges, but did not diminish the overall quality of the vintage – good ripeness and acidity – that the growing season brought. Harvest for our dry styles was at the end of September.

Grapes for Oddity are primarily from the Mád commune, Szt. Tamas and Nyulaszo 1st Growths, as well as other vineyard sites. Whole bunches were gently pressed and fermented in stainless steel tanks, segregated by different vineyard lots. During vinification, malolactic fermentation is avoided. The wine is matured in a combination of stainless steel tanks and 300 L and 500 L Hungarian oak barrels. With this vintage the wine was aged in equal amounts in stainless steel and Hungarian oak. The wine is kept on fine lees for 4-5 months to achieve roundness and structure.

A finely balanced wine where the Furmint grape shows sleek minerality, as well as floral, apple and peach notes. A lively wine with crisp acidity, complex and a long finish.