rating A-

standout sparkling Tokaji

about founded in 1996 by Demeter Zoltán as the Hungarian wine industry was rebuilding after decades of deliberate neglect by the Soviet Union. A pioneer of both drz and sparkling, the wines have rightly received many accolades since then, with sweet wine of course also made. Demeter worked in Virginia and at Stag’s Leap in Napa Valley, before training in Burgundy where he tasted a fair amount of champagne. There is a meticulous amount of detail to grape-growing and winemaking: think of Demeter Zoltán as the Hungarian wine equivalent to the Italian slow food movement: nothing here is short-term, nor is it stuck in the past.

wines tasted

Pezsgő Brut (vintage) ($30)

100% Furmint, with classic marzipan aromas associated with the variety alongside racy acidity. Dry, tense, waxy and nutty, with an integrated lees texture. More—in general—please.

website https://www.demeterzoltan.hu/

email demeterzoltan@demeterzoltan.hu

phone +36 20 806 0000

address Vasvári Pálutca 3, Tokaj