About the Wine
This is a bundle of 3 x 750ml Hárslevelű from a producer in Tokaj called Zsirai. The sommeliers visited the winery on Day 4 of our trip and had some great feedback on their wines.
Overall, Zsirai is a strong up and coming winery with a cult-like following in Hungary. Their wines are produced in small quantities (every bottle is serialised) and have the real potential to gain cult status on the global stage once the category scales.
These Hárslevelű are coming from three distinct vineyards, and present different expressions from linear purity to layered complexity. It's typically blended with Furmint to create the luscious Tokaji Aszu but as a single varietal, this grape variety is known for its highly aromatic and elegant character.
𝟭𝗦𝗧 𝗖𝗟𝗔𝗦𝗦 𝗩𝗜𝗡𝗘𝗬𝗔𝗥𝗗𝗦
Szent Tamás - 2019
Nyulaszó - 2021
𝟮𝗡𝗗 𝗖𝗟𝗔𝗦𝗦 𝗩𝗜𝗡𝗘𝗬𝗔𝗥𝗗𝗦
Középhegy - 2022
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𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐒 𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐒𝐋𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐋𝐔?
Compared to Furmint, Harslevelu is softer, rounder and more aromatic. Furmint tends to bring sharp acidity, structure and minerality, while Hárslevelű brings a floral aromatics, texture and a more generous fruit profile.
