Royal Tokaji
Essencia Tokaji
Essencia is the world’s most concentrated essence of its ripest grapes; it is the ’liquid gold’ that very slowly oozes from a pile of aszú grapes raisined by botrytis and climatic conditions.
Vintage Factsheets
Essencia from Royal Tokaji is made from grapes harvested from the renowned vineyards in the Tokaj region, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Hungary. These vineyards are located on the steep, volcanic hillsides of Tokaj, where the unique microclimate, influenced by the confluence of the Tisza and Bodrog rivers, creates ideal conditions for the noble rot (Botrytis cinerea) that is essential for the production of this rare and exceptional wine. The region’s soils, rich in volcanic ash and clay, contribute to the complexity and mineral character of the wine. The grapes are handpicked at the peak of botrytized ripeness, resulting in an intensely concentrated and luxurious wine that captures the essence of the vineyards' extraordinary terroir.
- Region
- Tokaj
- Appellation
- Tokaj
- Varietal Composition
- Furmint, Hárslevelü, Muscat
- Aging
- A gradual and very slow alcoholic fermentation took place spontaneously, lasting over 5 years in glass demijohns.
- Alcohol
- 2.92%
Bold and complex, with spectacular balance. Fresh pear and quince lead, layered with lychee and Seville orange. Vibrant acidity sustains endless freshness, balancing the sweetness through a long, thrilling finish.
James Suckling
99 Points
2017
"This is a monumental wine. The nose is explosive and layered, with botrytis, vanilla, cream, wildflower honey, ripe peaches, quince paste, marmalade and a hint of lime blossoms. Very sweet at 557 g/L residual sugar, yet the acidity gives it structure. The palate is unctuous and almost weightless, with honey, citrus, candied lime peel, apricot preserves and exotic spices. A phenolic edge and faint bitterness add tension. At just 2.2% alcohol, it feels both ethereal and deeply concentrated and can last forever."
— Courtney Humiston, 2026
Wine Enthusiast
98 Points
2017
"A master class in balance, this stunning dessert wine makes it easy to understand why Tokaj was nicknamed the wine of kings and king of wines. Richly fruited, its depth of flavor spans fresh and stewed stone fruits, black tea, tart tangerines, and subtly herbaceous notes. Drink this with a top-tier friend or all on your own (you deserve it)."
— Emily Saladino, 2026
