In the Tokaj region of Hungary, a name synonymous with excellence stands out—István Szepsy. With a winemaking lineage that stretches back centuries, Szepsy has become a global ambassador for Tokaji wines. His dedication to tradition, sustainability, and quality has made his wines some of the most sought-after in the world.
A Legacy Rooted in History
The Szepsy family’s connection to Tokaji winemaking dates back to 1631 when István’s ancestor, Szepsy Laczko Mate, first documented how to make Tokaji Aszú, and to this day, it is the only way this style of wine can be made. This sweet botrytis wine, famed for its luscious balance of acidity and richness, has since become Hungary’s gift to the world of fine wine. Today, István Szepsy continues this remarkable tradition alongside his son, István Jr., crafting wines that reflect their heritage and forward-thinking approach to winemaking.
The Szepsy family carefully tends vines averaging 40 years old on their 52 hectares of vineyards, which include six Grand Cru and six Premier Cru plots. These vines are rooted in volcanic, rocky soils that impart unique characteristics to their wines. The estate’s vineyards include iconic sites such as Szent Tamás, planted in 1957, and Urbán, planted in 1937. These sites are celebrated for their ability to produce wines of extraordinary depth and complexity.
The Philosophy of Precision
For István Szepsy, great wine begins in the vineyard. His philosophy prioritizes minimal intervention, sustainability, and respect for nature. Every grape in their wines is estate-grown, and rigorous yield controls ensure the highest quality. For dry wines, yields are capped at less than 3 tonnes per hectare, while for Tokaji Aszú, the production is even more limited—just 0.4 tonnes per hectare, significantly below the legal limit.
This meticulous attention to detail doesn’t stop in the vineyard. In the winery, Szepsy employs techniques that highlight the fruit’s purity and terroir expression. Whether crafting their dry Furmint or legendary Aszú, the goal remains the same: to create authentic and transcendent wines.
Mastering Tokaji Aszú and Dry Furmint
While Tokaji Aszú has been the cornerstone of the Szepsy legacy, István has also championed dry Furmint, and he was the first person to ever produce such a wine in 2000. Once overshadowed by their sweeter counterparts, these wines have emerged as some of the most exciting white wines on the global stage. Often compared to the finest Burgundian whites, Szepsy’s single-vineyard Furmints, such as those from Szent Tamás, reveal exceptional precision, minerality, and ageing potential.
The Aszú wines remain iconic, representing the pinnacle of Tokaj’s sweet wine tradition. These wines are crafted with painstaking care, showcasing a balance of botrytis-driven complexity, natural sweetness, and unmatched vibrant acidity.
Global Recognition and Accolades
Szepsy’s wines have not only captured the hearts of wine lovers but have also garnered international acclaim. In 2022, the estate was awarded Best Fine Wine Producer in Europe at the Golden Vines Awards, solidifying its reputation as one of the continent’s finest. István himself was inducted into the Golden Vines Hall of Fame, a testament to his lifelong contribution to the world of wine.
A Vision for the Future
István Szepsy’s impact extends beyond his wines. In 2005, he founded the Mádi Kör appellation, setting strict quality standards for Tokaj and reinforcing the region’s place among the world’s most prestigious wine regions. This initiative reflects Szepsy’s forward-thinking commitment to ensuring the future of Tokaji wines.
Why Szepsy Stands Out
Whether you’re drawn to their Aszú’s opulence or their dry Furmint’s elegance, Szepsy wines represent the essence of Tokaj. Each bottle tells the story of a family’s dedication to their craft and a region’s unique ability to produce world-class wines.
To explore Szepsy’s wines and their legacy more, visit Szepsy’s Producer Profile.
