Tokaj-Hétszőlő

Tokaj-Hétszőlő was founded in 1502 when the Garai family united seven vineyard parcels on the slopes of Mount Tokaj. The name reflects this origin, as Hét-Szőlő translates to seven parcels of vineyard in Hungarian. Over the centuries, the estate passed through the hands of various noble families and monarchs, including the Prince of Transylvania Gábor Bethlen and the Rákóczi family. It became a Royal Imperial Estate under the Habsburgs in 1711 and remained property of the Austro-Hungarian Empire for nearly two centuries. After a period of neglect during the mid-twentieth century, the estate was revitalized in 1991 by the French company Grands Millésimes de France. In 2009, Michel Reybier, who also owns Château Cos d'Estournel in Bordeaux, acquired the winery.

The property covers 55 hectares on the south-facing slopes of Mount Tokaj. The terroir consists of a deep layer of loess soil covering a volcanic base, which contributes to a character defined by its specific texture and acidity. The vineyards, including the namesake Hétszőlő and the Nagyszőlő plots, were classified as premier crus as early as 1772. Under the direction of Gergely Makai, the estate began a transition to organic viticulture in 2009, achieving full certification for its dry wines in 2015 and its entire range in 2017. Winemaking focuses on indigenous varieties such as Furmint and Hárslevelű, utilizing natural pest management and compost to maintain the vitality of the vines.

Tokaj-Hétszőlő is primarily known for its traditional sweet aszú wines, which are produced using botrytized grapes gathered by hand. The estate also produces dry Furmint, late harvest styles, and szamorodni. Their historical Rákóczi Cellar in the center of Tokaj town features a 15th-century underground hall that serves as a site for tastings and aging. As part of the Michel Reybier portfolio, the estate focuses on bridging historical Hungarian traditions with modern organic standards. Its wines frequently receive recognition for their balance of acidity and fruit aromatics, maintaining a position as a significant producer within the Tokaj-Hegyalja region.