Pajzos
The grapes and vineyards in Tokaj have a long and illustrious past. The first written reference dates from 13th century, but historians believe that the slopes in the area were planted with vines as early as the Hungarian Conquest of the Carpathian Basin (end of the 9th century).
The real story of Pajzos Tokaj started thanks to Bordeaux winemaker Jean-Michel Arcaute. In 1991 the French GAN insurance company bought the Bordeaux Château Clinet winery owned by Arcaute’s wife. Arcaute, regarded at the time as the “mad genius” of the wine world, remained as manager of the winery. Thanks to him, Tokaj became a prime investment goal for the GAN insurance company and CFGVT investment group.
The Vineyard and Climate
Set in the Zemplen Hills, this 107-ha sunny south-southwest facing vineyard lies an average of 200m above Sea level. The bedrock is andesite tuff caused by volcanic activity; the soils have a thin layer of nyirok clay streaks in brown forest soils. The soil has superb heat retaining ability that allows grapes to ripen fully and become aszú berries.
Typically the region is dry in August and early September, thus after total ripeness the grapes reach over-ripeness. This ensures the fruit’s high sugar content The Zsadány stream to the south of the boarder and an oak forest to the north create ideal conditions in autumn for the humidity necessary for the development of botrytis cinerea.
