2006 Gróf Degenfeld Muscatel Lunel Tokaji (Previously $16)

Gróf Degenfeld is a 100 hectare estate located on the Tarcal Terézia Hill boasting vineyard holdings in the best parts of the Tokaj-Hegyalja region: on the Mézesmál dulo near Mád and bordering Mezozombornear Mád and Mezozombor. The Degenfeld family played an important role in the development of viticulture in the 19th century (Count Imre Degenfeld was a founding member of the Tokaj-Hegyalja Oenologist Society established in 1857), but they lost their land after the Treaty of Trianon. Flash forward a hundred years, with Countess Mária Degenfeld and her family returning to revive the family's winemaking legacy in 1964. After aquiring the vineyards to form the estate, efforts began to restore the old family buildings and rebuild the winery and cellar into the grand domaine it is today. Muscatel Lunel (known as "Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains" in France) is an ancient variety of Muscat known for its intense floral aromatics and capacity for sweetness. It is the grape used in the production of a variety of traditional sweet, lightly fortified dessert and/or sparkling wines in areas of the Roussillon, Piedmont, and the Greek Isle of Samos. Here in Tokaiji the Degenfelds produce an off-dry style that balances the grape's seductive floral aromatics, intense flavors, lively acidity, and natural residual sugar. Serve chilled, this makes a delightful aperitif, but is light enough to enjoy with food. Try it with a grilled peach, chicken, goat cheese salad!