This exceptional sweet wine is a direct precursor to vermouth, crafted from botrytised grapes—just like a sweet Tokaj. Infused with a tincture of 10-15 herbs and spices, with wormwood as the dominant element, it delivers a deeply complex profile. The nose is a captivating blend of herbal aromas, complemented by the rich, familiar notes of honeycomb, dried apricot, and a hint of dried orange peel, all reminiscent of Tokaji Aszú’s hallmark sweetness and complexity. On the palate, the natural richness of the Furmint offers smooth honeyed notes, while the herbal bitterness intertwines with flavors of apricot jam, warm spices, and a touch of floral elegance. The finish is long and refined, with a lingering herbal warmth and a slight, pleasant dryness. A sophisticated drink, whether enjoyed neat as an aperitif, paired with dessert, or used in modern cocktails. With its deep-rooted Tokaji connection, this is a must-try for anyone seeking to explore the origins of vermouth, in its purest and most historical form.

Winemaker | Maurer Oszkár

Region | Szerémség - Fruska Gora, Serbia

Variety | Furmint, Welschriesling

Viticulture | Organic

Soil | Volcanic bedrock, Alluvial limestone, Clay

Altitude | 150 - 350 m

Age of the vines | 40 years

Bottles made | 2000

Area farmed | 16 Hectares

Vinification

The winemaking behind this unique creation is deeply rooted in tradition. Oszkár Maurer begins with a sweet base wine made from botrytised berries, which is fermented and then aged for two years in small, old oak barrels to build depth, texture, and complexity reminiscent of Tokaji-style wines.
Separately, a blend of 10–15 herbs and spices—centred around wormwood—is infused into an eau de vie distilled from the same grapes.
Once the base wine has completed its fermentation and ageing, it is fortified with just 1% of this herbal spirit. This small addition protects the wine from refermentation, allowing it to remain unfiltered and free of added sulphur. The result is a vermouth-style wine of remarkable balance and depth, crafted with both tradition and precision.