GRÓF DEGENFELD | Fortissimo | Tokaji | Late Harvest | 2019
furmint | hárslevelű

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Today we are are going to review a late harvest dessert wine from the world’s famous Tokaj region of Hungary – Fortissimo Tokaji Late Harvest 2019 by Gróf Degenfeld. This wine is a traditional Tokaji-blend of furmint and hárslevelű grape varieties, both harvested late in the growing season, with hárslevelű partially affected by noble rot (a fungus that is also known as botrytis cinerea). Noble rot is the fungus that shrivels and dehydrate the wine grapes, thus concentrating acids and sugars, which in turn intensifies the sweetness level of the wine and adds flavor complexity, due to higher levels of phenylacetaldehyde (a special aroma compound found mostly in botrytis affected berries), creating some of the most delicious sweet wines of the world. Late harvest wines are made from grapes that are left on the vine even after they’ve reached their peak ripeness, thus they become sweeter due to dehydration, as a result, sugar content increases and the juice becomes more concentrated. Technically, any grape variety can be used for the production of late harvest wines, yet there are some varieties that excel more than the others for this wine style. This is also an biodynamic wine, made by applying the principles of organic farming: it does not use synthetic chemicals like herbicides, pesticides or fungicides, but rather a range of natural preparations, that have the role of starters in harmonization of the biological processes in the soil, where they stimulate microbial life. That said and without further ado, let’s take a look at the wine tasting results.
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Take a look at the tasting notes below and our detailed assessment of the wine:

//Visual
color: straw white color
clarity: pastel yellow hues

//Olfactory
intensity: rich & sweet
fruit character: ripe & overripe

On the first nose, the wine displays a captivating fruit character, blending ripe and overripe notes of passion fruit, dragon fruit and yellow pear. These vibrant fruity aromas intertwine harmoniously with notes of fresh-cut grass and lemongrass, creating a lively and invigorating foreground. As the journey continues, hints of currant leaf and lemon emerge, adding a zesty twist to the aromatic profile. The wine’s refreshing nature is further enhanced by undertones of lime, green grapefruit and nettle, lending a vibrant and invigorating quality.

//Palate
sweetness: sweet | acidity: medium | alcohol: medium | tannin: low | balance: good
finish: medium | aftertaste: sweet & supple

On the palate, the wine delivers an exquisite combination of ripe and overripe fruit character. It charms with the presence of luscious stone fruits, such as peaches and apricots, along with a subtle touch of sweet fruits and honey that add a delightful richness. While the acidity may be underwhelming, it is compensated by a gentle warmth of well-integrated alcohol. The supple-sweet aftertaste lingers, leaving a lasting impression, thus showcasing the wine’s lean structure that is both supple and opulent, making it a pleasurable choice for those seeking a harmonious balance of fruitiness and indulgence.

//Verdict
maturity: in its prime | drink now or within 1 year
verdict: fine | highly recommended

Overall, this wine feels sweet and opulent, with a lean and supple mouthfeel. While it captivates with its wide range of flavors and inviting fruit character, it falls short in terms of structural complexity on the palate. It leans more towards an off-dry style rather than a dessert wine, lacking the depth and intricacy one might expect. Nonetheless, its supple nature and opulent characteristics make it an enjoyable choice for those seeking an easy-to-drink wine that indulges the senses without overwhelming them.

//Scoring
GRÓF DEGENFELD | Fortissimo | Tokaji | Late Harvest | 2019
variety: furmint | hárslevelű
country: Hungary
region: Tokaj
rating: 91.4
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This is definitely a fine wine of Hungary and with a total of 91.4 points scored, this wine is right there, among the best wines we’ve rated so far. Check our complete database on the wine rating page, where you can find all the wines that we have tasted and reviewed or go to the about us page and find out more about our exquisite rating system.

Pairing: Based on the wine’s enticing fruit character, including ripe and overripe notes of apple, quince, pear and stone fruits, alongside subtle hints of honey and sweet fruits, we believe it will make an excellent companion for a variety of dishes. Given its lean and supple nature, this wine would complement light and delicate fare beautifully. Consider pairing it with a seared scallop salad adorned with a honey-mustard vinaigrette, allowing the wine’s opulent and wide profile to harmonize with the sweetness of the scallops. Alternatively, a gently spiced Thai curry featuring prawns and tropical fruits would enhance the supple-sweet aftertaste and the wine’s vibrant background of kiwi, passion fruit and lime. Cheers!

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© The WineStatistics ratings are based solely on our own knowledge of the world of wine and on our personal wine tastes, which may, or may not, differ from yours – the reader. Just remember that there are no absolutes of right and wrong in wine appreciation.