Somos Tokaj Tokaji 5 Puttonyos 500ML

Somos Tokaj Tokaji 5 Puttonyos 500ML is a traditional Hungarian Aszú sweet wine produced from botrytis-affected grapes in the renowned Tokaj wine region, bottled at 500ml. This 5 Puttonyos expression represents one of the higher sweetness tiers in the historic Tokaji Aszú classification, carrying residual sugar levels between approximately 120 and 150 g/L and showcasing the concentrated, honeyed character that has made Tokaji Aszú one of the world's most celebrated dessert wines for centuries.

Quick Facts: ABV: Approximately 11–13%  |  Origin: Tokaj, Hungary  |  Style: Aszú 5 Puttonyos (Sweet)  |  Producer: Somos Tokaj

Production & Heritage

The Tokaj wine region in northeastern Hungary holds UNESCO World Heritage status and has been producing botrytized sweet wines since at least the 17th century — King Louis XIV of France famously called Tokaji "the wine of kings and king of wines." Somos Tokaj produces this 5 Puttonyos according to the traditional Aszú method: hand-harvested grapes affected by Botrytis cinerea (noble rot) — primarily from varieties such as Furmint, Hárslevelű, and Sárga Muskotály — are macerated and blended with base wine or must, then aged in oak barrels. The "puttonyos" designation historically referred to the number of hods (baskets) of shriveled aszú berries added to a 136-liter gönci barrel, with five puttonyos yielding a richly sweet, deeply concentrated wine.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with pronounced apricot and dried stone fruit, followed by layers of tropical mango and citrus blossom. An underlying honeyed complexity develops with time in the glass, hinting at beeswax and marmalade.

Taste: The entry is lush and viscous, immediately delivering ripe peach and mango against a backbone of bright citrus acidity. Through the mid-palate, candied orange peel and apricot compote emerge, balanced by a minerality that keeps the sweetness from cloying. The interplay between sugar and acid gives the wine remarkable poise and tension.

Finish: Long and lingering, with persistent notes of dried apricot, honey, and a gentle citrus lift. The finish maintains freshness thanks to the natural acidity inherent in Furmint-based wines.

How to Drink Somos 5 Puttonyos

Serve chilled to approximately 10–12°C (50–54°F) in a small tulip-shaped wine glass to concentrate the aromatics. This Aszú is best appreciated on its own as a dessert wine or as a complement to rich dishes. Pair it in a Spritz format with chilled sparkling water and a twist of orange for a lighter warm-weather serve. Use it in a Tokaji Bellini — replacing Prosecco's sweetness with the wine's own honeyed richness — for a decadent aperitif. It also works beautifully in a Hungarian Flip, combining the Aszú with a whole egg and a dash of nutmeg, shaken and strained, where the wine's acidity cuts through the richness of the egg.

Best For

• Gifting a wine enthusiast who appreciates historic European dessert wines
• Serving as a stand-alone dessert course at a dinner party
• Pairing with a cheese course featuring blue and aged hard cheeses
• Adding to a curated sweet wine tasting flight alongside Sauternes and Trockenbeerenauslese

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Somos 5 Puttonyos taste like? It delivers rich, concentrated flavors of ripe peach, mango, and apricot compote, balanced by bright citrus acidity and a long honeyed finish that prevents the sweetness from becoming heavy.

How does Somos 5 Puttonyos compare to Royal Tokaji 5 Puttonyos? Both are traditional Tokaji Aszú wines from the same Hungarian wine region and follow similar production methods using botrytis-affected grapes. Royal Tokaji, founded in 1990 with investment from notable wine figures including Hugh Johnson, tends to have wider international distribution and more extensive critical review history, while Somos Tokaj represents a smaller-scale producer from the same appellation.

Is Somos 5 Puttonyos good for sipping on its own? Yes — Tokaji Aszú at the 5 Puttonyos level is specifically designed for contemplative sipping, with its balance of residual sugar and acidity making it rewarding without food. Serving it slightly chilled enhances its freshness and aromatic complexity.

Where is Somos 5 Puttonyos made? It is produced in the Tokaj wine region of northeastern Hungary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized as one of the oldest classified wine regions in the world, with a documented winemaking history stretching back to the early 1600s.

What foods pair well with Somos 5 Puttonyos? Foie gras and duck liver pâté are a classic Hungarian pairing, as the wine's acidity slices through the richness. Roquefort and Stilton blue cheeses match the honeyed sweetness note for note. Fruit-based tarts — particularly apricot or peach — echo the wine's stone fruit character. Crème brûlée works well because the caramelized sugar mirrors the wine's beeswax tones. Aged Parmigiano-Reggiano creates a compelling sweet-savory contrast.

What sizes does Somos 5 Puttonyos come in? This expression is presented in the traditional 500ml bottle, which is the standard format for Tokaji Aszú wines rather than the typical 750ml used for dry wines.

Is Somos 5 Puttonyos worth the price? Tokaji Aszú 5 Puttonyos wines generally position in the mid-premium tier for dessert wines globally, and the labor-intensive hand-harvesting of botrytis-affected berries justifies the category's pricing. Somos offers an accessible entry point into the 5 Puttonyos tier compared to some of the region's most established estates.

Why Somos 5 Puttonyos?

Tokaji Aszú holds a unique place in wine history as arguably the world's first classified and regulated sweet wine, with documentation predating Sauternes by over a century. The 5 Puttonyos designation signals a wine of serious concentration and complexity, produced through the painstaking selection of individually botrytized berries — a process that cannot be mechanized. Somos Tokaj's version delivers the hallmark Tokaji profile of stone fruit richness balanced by the electric acidity that Furmint-based wines are known for, presented in the region's traditional 500ml format. For anyone building knowledge of the world's great dessert wines, a Tokaji 5 Puttonyos belongs alongside the finest examples of Sauternes, Trockenbeerenauslese, and late-harvest Chenin Blanc.