The climate of the Tokaj Wine Region
The Tokaj Wine Region has a hot, dry continental climate. The very dry summers with heatwaves and freezing winters satisfy the climatic conditions necessary for quality grape production. However, in themselves they are not enough to create the world-famous sweet wines from Tokaj grapes.
The most suitable areas for grape production are the south-, southwest- and southeast-facing slopes less than 25 ° up to 300 m above sea level.
10,8 ºC
525 mm
2009 hours/year
25 October
- the plantations, set along the southern slopes of the Zemplén Hills, are relatively varied which adds extra positive effects on the vines,
- the prevailing wind direction is north-easterly, but the line of the Zemplén Hills effectively protects south-facing slopes from the cold, sometimes stormy and damage-causing winds,
- the rivers Bodrog and Tisza that border the wine region combined with the damp meadows and pastures around the river beds assist in creating the humidity conditions necessary for aszú berry development. Aszú berries are fundamental in the creation of Tokaji wine specialties that exist nowhere else in the world.
So, the start of the aszú development and then the subsequent spread of the Botrytis fungus are closely linked to the humid, damp autumn weather.
This fungus causes noble rot in suitable conditions (including ripe fruit) but grey rot (on unripe grapes and other fruits).
But why is sunshine needed for a perfect vintage?
The answer is simple: the rising sun dries the dawn dew, speeding up the loss of water from berries and thus the aszú process. Frequent sunny mornings result in the noble rot berries developing in the bunches. The grapes become shrivelled with supremely high concentration, inimitable flavours, taste and aroma components; all distinctive Botrytis notes of the aszú grapes which rightly made the Tokaj Wine Region so famous.
