Confrérie de Tokaj is planning Great Tokaj Wine Auction 2017

Following in the footsteps of the successful first four Great Tokaj Wine Auctions, the Confrérie de Tokaj is planning the fifth auction on 22^nd April 2017 – in the historic town of Tokaj. All lots are exclusive and contemporary wines, barrel or half-barrel quantity (136 l, 68 l) of Tokaji wines which will be bottled and delivered to the winning bidder with their Great Tokaj Wine Auction label.

Unique auction lots
Mainly single vineyard lots, they range from dry wines through late harvests to Tokaji Aszú and Eszencia. Each of these unique barrels from leading producers is checked by the Confrérie Wine Committee. These wines are only available at the Great Tokaj Wine Auction. Hence the interest from Michelin-starred restaurants as well as collectors and wine merchants from around the world who are eager to acquire them.

The value
These are outstanding lots produced in small quantities by top producers. Treasures to be sought due to their quality, ageing potential, rareness.

The aim of the Great Tokaj Wine Auction
Tokaji Aszú has long been a legendary wine, the “Wine of Kings and the King of Wines”, and as Hugh Johnson said, iconic wines, such as Tokaji, Port and Champagne, need time to be explained and understood. The annual Auction is a key element in promotion of Tokaj, part of the mission of the Confrérie de Tokaj to show the wines of this unique volcanic area and to assist on their journey to rightful recognition.

Philosophy of the auction
István Szepsy, deservedly regarded as among the pioneers in the Tokaj Wine Region, said “A suitable framework must be developed for a wine region to be able to show its abilities and qualities. Clearly the greatness of the Tokaj Wine Region can only be shown by building on the various qualities of its vineyards – which are outstanding. And there is only one practical way for this: to present as many single-vineyard wines as possible. These sometimes mean very small quantities, unique lots that cannot be sold on the market in their own right. And it is precisely these wines that we can show within the framework of the Auction, so that wine consumers know about them and can taste them, even if another buys the whole barrel lot.”

Producers to date at the Great Tokaj Wine Auction
Both established wineries and smaller up-and-coming producers have offered lots at previous Great Tokaj Wine Auctions. Participants to date include Barta, Béres, Budaházy, Demetervin, Dereszla, Disznókő, Füleky, Gizella, Tokaj, Gróf Degenfeld, Holdvölgy, Kikelet, Kubus, Orosz Gábor, Pajzos, Patricius, Royal Tokaji, Samuel Tinon, Szent Benedek, Szent Tamás, Szepsy, Tokaj Hétszőlő and Tokaj Nobilis.

Buyers at the Great Tokaj Wine Auction
Buyers have come from far afield, including China and the US, London, France and Germany. Bidding is in person and by telephone.
– groups: organised before the Auction, also using the Facebook page, join together at the Auction
– restaurants: to procure a unique wine that nowhere else can offer
– in 2015, 2016 company purchases were significant from both Hungary and abroad

The charitable aspect
The Confrérie de Tokaj reserves 40 % of the price excluding VAT price to stage the auctions and to preserve and rebuild the Tokaj Wine Region. Thus buyers have the satisfaction of knowing that, in addition to procuring an exclusive Tokaji wine, they are also supporting this UNESCO World Cultural Heritage region.

Tokaj Spring event
The Great Tokaj Wine Auction is the central event of the Tokaj Spring weekend. This interesting three-day programme offers guests an outstanding opportunity to discover this historic wine region and meet top producers. In addition to the exhilarating auction, there are wine dinners, tastings and vineyard tours with winemakers, a blind tasting of Auction lots, initiation of new members, music and a gala dinner. Indeed, this year sees a new event in the Tokaj Spring calendar, Tokaj Fair, a portfolio tasting of top Tokaj producers on the Friday afternoon.
The event helps Tokaj lovers explore together this dynamically emerging world that is moving forth with confidence of its excellent wines and increasing knowledge of the terroir. A great opportunity to share time and wine open to all. This year the celebration of Tokaj Spring will be 21^st to 23^rd April 2016.

The Confrérie de Tokaj
The Confrérie de Tokaj members include producers, wine professionals and wine lovers committed to promoting the legendary Tokaj Wine Region, perhaps the first closed wine region in the world and part of UNESCO World Cultural Heritage since 2002. The Confrérie aims to represent the Tokaj Wine Region in Hungary and abroad, promoting the historic wine region and its wines.

Membership
The Confrérie gathers together all those who wish to contribute to the development of the legendary Tokaj Wine Region. Most of the founding members of the Confrérie are leading Tokaj wine producers, particularly those who believe in distinct terroirs and the exceptional character of wines produced here. However, membership is open to all people who feel committed to the Tokaj Wine Region and would like to actively participate in the work and events of the Confrérie.

Learn more at http://tokajiborlovagrend.hu/en, www.facebook.com/TokajiBorlovagrend

Contact: Communications, Katherine Chapman +36 70 612 0400 contact@tokajiborlovagrend.hu