Published: December 13 2023
International Aszú Day is approaching, and Hungarian winemakers have a new addition to their glassware collection - a distinctive glass specifically designed for Aszú wines. This glass was chosen through a tasting and evaluation process conducted by local growers and wine professionals.
The Selection Process for the Glass Design
The glass design was selected from five finalist designs at a tasting event hosted by Tokaj expert Gergely Ripka. The approximately ninety invitees, mostly local winemakers, had the opportunity to try two Aszú wines served in the elegant and uniquely shaped glass. This glass design was chosen as the winner and is now available for purchase from the manufacturer, Halimba Crystal.
The Importance of a Dedicated Glass for Aszú Wines
For many years, Aszú wines did not have a dedicated glass design. In the past, there was a short and thick-stemmed glass that was intended for all Tokaji wines, but it did not enhance the experience of drinking Aszú wines. In a previous tasting conducted by Borigo, a leading wine magazine in Hungary, it was concluded that larger glasses tended to work better for Aszú wines. The winning glass in that test was a 420 mL white wine glass, while the runner-up was a 645 mL Bordeaux glass.
The Performance of the New Glass Design
The five prototype glasses for the new Aszú glass were tested with over forty Aszú wines in August. Despite being one of the smallest designs, this glass performed the best for most tasters. This testing process was crucial due to the great diversity of Tokaji sweet styles.
Availability and Future Use of the Glass
Although only a select few will be able to celebrate International Aszú Day with this new glass, it is expected to become a popular choice for Christmas celebrations in Hungary. Additionally, it is hoped that this distinctive glass design will be widely used in bars and restaurants worldwide, becoming an essential part of their glassware range.
Source: news.tokajtoday.com
Questions & Answers
What was the purpose of the special event mentioned in the article? The special event was held to introduce a new distinctive glass for Aszú wines in Hungary.
Who organized the event and selected the design of the glass? The event was hosted by Tokaj expert and author Gergely Ripka, who was also the driving force behind the project. The design of the glass was selected through a tasting by local growers and wine professionals.
Where can the new glass be purchased? The new glass can be purchased from the manufacturer Halimba Crystal.
When is International Aszú Day? International Aszú Day is celebrated on December 10th.
Can the new glass be used for other wines besides Aszú? Yes, the new glass can be used for other wines as well.
What were some of the previous glasses used for Aszú wines? In the past, there was a stumpy, ugly glass with a short thick stem that was used for Aszú wines, but it was not suitable for enhancing the experience of most Aszú wines. In a previous test, a 420 mL white wine glass and a 645 mL Bordeaux glass were found to be suitable for Aszú wines.
How many Aszú wines were tested during the tasting for the new glass design? During the tasting for the new glass design, more than forty Aszú wines were tested to ensure the glass was suitable for the diverse range of Tokaji sweet styles.
Will the new glass become popular outside of Hungary? The hope is that the new glass will become an essential part of the glassware range for bars and restaurants worldwide.
