Source: Rare Wine Co.

Source: Rare Wine Co.


Tokaj-Hegyalja, Hungary

Tony Hwang's purchase of Kiralyudvar resulted from a visit to Budapest that year, when he drank Tokaj Aszu recommended by a sommelier. The wine, with its profound identity and razor-sharp balance, made such an impression that Tony drove more than 200km the next day to Tokaj, where he discovered Kiralyudvar (pronounced Kee-Rye-oohd-var).

Just a few months after his visit, Tony purchased this estate, which for centuries had supplied Imperial wine to the Hapsburgs. The famed Tokaj winemaker Ivan Szepsy became Tony’s partner, helping him rehabilitate the vineyards, while the château itself was rebuilt.

With time, Szepsy departed, and Tony assumed the reins full-time. Along the way, he was counseled by Noël Pinguet of the Loire Valley's greatest Vouvray producer, Domaine Huët, of which Tony is also a partner. Noël’s collaboration would prove invaluable, particularly his advice to convert the estate to biodynamic viticulture.

A new era at Kiralyudvar - Today, Tony is rekindling the legacy of this providential wine region. But he's not stopping there, having recognized, that Tokaj's historic grape varieties, with their viscous intensity and bright acidity, could produce world-class dry, demi-sec, and sparkling wines.