What it pairs with
-
Apricot danish pastry
The wine's stone-fruit register echoes the pastry filling without overwhelming sweetness. -
Mild blue cheese
The lower-intensity sweetness of late harvest works with milder blue cheeses. -
Poached pear with vanilla cream
Subtle sweetness and gentle spice complement delicate pear desserts.
How to serve Royal Tokaji Late Harvest
Allow 5 minutes from open to pour.
- Open and pour. Open and pour directly. No decanting required for this style.
- Serve at 8-12°C. Cellar temperature (8-12°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
- Glassware. Use a small dessert-wine glass (3-5oz pour): the bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
- Pair with. Apricot danish pastry, Mild blue cheese, Poached pear with vanilla cream. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.
History
The Late Harvest was added to Royal Tokaji's range to offer an entry-level sweet wine in years when botrytis levels are not sufficient for full Aszú production, and as a more accessible price point for the estate's sweet range.
- 2003 — First Royal Tokaji Late Harvest vintage
Facts
- Producer
- Royal Tokaji
- Grapes
- Furmint, Hárslevelű
- Classification
- Tokaj PDO
- Oak
- Matured in older Hungarian oak
- ABV
- 11.0%
- Price
- €20-35 at retail
- Drinking window
- 3-12 from vintage
- First vintage
- 2003
Frequently asked about Royal Tokaji Late Harvest
When should I drink Royal Tokaji Late Harvest?
Drink 3-12 from vintage. Young vintages benefit from 30-90 minutes of decanting; mature bottles should be handled carefully for sediment.
What food pairs with Royal Tokaji Late Harvest?
Apricot danish pastry is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Mild blue cheese and Poached pear with vanilla cream. The wine's stone-fruit register echoes the pastry filling without overwhelming sweetness.
What grapes are in Royal Tokaji Late Harvest?
The blend is Furmint, Hárslevelű. The wine is classified as Tokaj PDO.