How should Tokaji wine be stored and served?
Serve sweet Tokaji lightly chilled, at roughly 10 to 13 degrees C (50 to 55 degrees F; producers range from 8 to 14), in small glasses. Store unopened bottles in a cool, dark place at a steady temperature, on their side if corked. Once opened, reseal and keep it in the fridge; sweet wines usually hold up longer than dry ones, so judge by smell and taste, not a fixed day count.
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In this article
What is the right Tokaji serving temperature?
Lightly chilled, not ice cold. Producer advice varies: Royal Tokaji and others give about 10 to 13 degrees C (50 to 55 degrees F), the official Tokaji site about 11 to 14, and some houses as low as 8, for sweet Tokaji such as Aszu. Two hours in the fridge, then 10 minutes on the counter, gets close. Ice-cold serving mutes the aromas of honey, apricot and orange peel. Dry Tokaji (often made from Furmint) is served like other dry whites, a little cooler.
Should Tokaji be chilled?
Yes, gently. Sweetness tastes heavier and more syrupy when a wine is warm, so a light chill keeps it balanced against the acidity that Tokaji is known for. Do not store it in the fridge door for months, though; only chill it for serving.
How do you drink Tokaji wine?
- Glass: a small white wine or dessert glass; pours of about 2 to 3 oz are normal for sweet styles.
- With food: blue cheese, foie gras, fruit tarts, almond or apricot desserts, or on its own after a meal.
- Order: serve it after dry wines, not before.
How long does Tokaji last after opening?
There is no official figure, but producers and retailers say a tightly sealed, refrigerated Aszu stays good for at least a week, and some say one to two weeks. Sweet wines keep longer than dry wines because sugar and acidity protect them. Push the cork back in or use a stopper, keep it upright in the fridge and taste before each pour. If it smells of vinegar, nail polish or smells flat and dull, it is past its best.
How should you store an unopened bottle?
Keep it somewhere cool, dark and steady, away from heat, sunlight and vibration. A corked bottle can lie on its side so the cork stays damp. A warm kitchen or the top of a refrigerator are poor places. Aged Tokaji may throw a harmless sediment; stand the bottle upright for a few hours and pour slowly.
Where can you buy Tokaji?
Some supermarkets stock entry-level Tokaji, and wine shops carry more. The label tells you the style: the number of puttonyos or the word Aszu points to a sweet wine, while Furmint or Dry points to a dry one. Check which you are buying before you plan the serving.
People also ask
How long does Tokaji last after opening?
There is no official number. Producers say a tightly resealed, refrigerated Aszu stays pleasant for at least a week, some say one to two weeks. Check smell and taste each time.
What is the best serving temperature for Tokaji?
Roughly 10 to 13 degrees C (50 to 55 degrees F), lightly chilled; producers' advice runs from about 8 to 14. Dry Tokaji can be a little cooler.
Do I need to decant Tokaji?
Not normally. Only decant an old bottle with sediment, slowly, or stand it upright first and pour carefully.
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