Wine With Jimmy - Tokaj Lecture

Introduction

• Host: Jimmy Smith
• Focused on wine education for enthusiasts and exam preparation.
• Encourages interaction via comments and social media.
• Website: winewithjimmy.com

Tokaj Focus

• Location: Northeast Hungary on volcanic soils.
• Content: Four parts, with parts 3 and 4 (including exam-focused content) on e-learning portal.

Climate of Tokaj

• Type: Moderate continental climate.
• Features:
  • Landlocked region.
  • Best vineyards on southerly facing hillside slopes.
  • Rivers: Bodrog and Tisza, essential for microclimate.

Importance of Rivers

• Bodrog & Tisza Rivers:
  • Provide necessary humidity for noble rot.
  • Streams and tributaries contribute to morning humidity.
  • Balance of morning humidity and dry afternoons crucial.

Noble Rot (Botrytis cinerea)

• Definition: A mold or fungus essential for certain wine types.
• Ideal Conditions:
  • Humidity: 85-100% for max 24 hours.
  • Temperature: 20-25°C in afternoons.
• Process:
  • Causes dehydration by penetrating grape skin.
  • Concentrates sugars, acids, flavors by evaporating water.
  • Requires proximity to water bodies like rivers.

Key Grape Varieties

• Furmint:
  • Two-thirds of production.
  • High acid white wines with apple, nut, honey flavors.
  • Late ripening, highly susceptible to noble rot.
  • Creates sweet Azu wines.
• Hárslevelű:
  • Contributes floral aromatics.
• Sárgamuskotály (Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains):
  • Adds floral aromatics.

Upcoming Parts

• Part 2: Focus on dry wines.
• Part 3: Sweet wines and wine laws.
• Written Questions: For exam preparation.

Conclusion

• Encourages participation and visits to his establishments in London.
• Invitation to continue with part 2.

Note: Engage with the content through comments and explore further learning opportunities on the e-learning portal.