Cellar Profile
This highly acclaimed, family-run boutique estate is located in the historic Tokaj wine region (specifically in Tarcal) of north-eastern Hungary. It was founded in 2005 by László Szilágyi, who named it after his grandmother. László balances traditional techniques with modern consumer expectations, producing elegant, terroir-driven wines that have gained significant international recognition. 20 hectares of vineyards are farmed sustainably, with some parcels still being worked by horses to protect the volcanic soils and ensure high-quality harvests. Gizella is at the forefront of the "dry Tokaj revolution," moving beyond the region's traditional sweet wines to produce distinctive, world-class dry varietals.
Region
The historic Tokaj wine region in northeast Hungary is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Situated at the foothills of the Zemplén Mountains, the landscape features approximately 400 extinct volcanoes, resulting in diverse soil types including loess, clay and volcanic tuff. The area enjoys long, warm summers and dry, sunny autumns. The convergence of the Tisza and Bodrog rivers creates high autumn humidity, which is essential for the growth of Botrytis cinerea (noble rot). It is this unique microclimate that produces some of the world's most famous sweet wines. The region is dominated by white indigenous varieties: Furmint (60%), Hárslevelű (30%) and Yellow Muscat.
Vineyard
This 20 hectare estate is spread across 12 high-quality vineyard plots in the villages of Tarcal, Bodrogkeresztúr and Mád. This is volcanic land. The rich, multi-diversified sub and top soil on each parcel provides complex minerality, high acidity and elegance to the character of the wines produced. Sustainably farmed, featuring primarily Furmint (62%) and Hárslevelű (31%). The vineyards are managed sustainably using eco-friendly and traditional methods, farming with horses in certain parcels to minimize environmental impact.
Winemaking
The 2023 vintage offers complexity and outstanding quality. After a late budbreak and a lot of rain during the growing season, the conditions for (a very early!) harvest were perfect. Hand harvested grapes were separately whole-bunch pressed, vinified in cool tanks and blended before bottling.Grapes were picked by hand, full bunch pressed and fermented separately in cool tanks before being blended and bottled.
Tasting Notes
A fresh, mineral-driven introduction to dry Tokaj. Aromas of fresh pear, red apple and pineapple. These two leading varieties of Tokaj add exotic character and fine minerality. Vibrant acidity compliments the structure here. Lovely fruit profile – pear, red apple, pineapple, lemon zest, lime and tangerine – with a note of wild flowers. Quality structure with freshness, minerals and a light touch of rounding residual sugar.
Varieties
Furmint and Hárslevelű are prestigious, aromatic Hungarian white grapes. They are grown in several regions of the country, but are most characteristic of Tokaj, where they are used to produceTokaji Aszú – the world-renowned, luscious dessert wine traditionally hailed as the "Wine of Kings, King of Wines". Furmint is considered the backbone of Tokaji Aszú dessert wines, but also excels as a high-acid, dry white wine, characterized by high sugar potential and high acidity, producing flavors of lemon, green apple, smoke and pea. Hárslevelű produces highly aromatic, often honeyed and smoky wines ranging from dry to sweet. It thrives in warm climates, offering soft, rounded, full-bodied wines with distinctive linden blossom, honey, pear and citrus notes.