Puttonyos

Puttonyos meaning in Tokaji wine

Puttonyos is the traditional Hungarian classification system used to measure the sweetness levels of Tokaji Aszú, one of the world’s most prestigious dessert wines. The term originates from puttony, a wooden hod or basket historically used to collect the noble rot-affected grapes (Botrytis cinerea) essential for Tokaji production. The classification ranges from 3 puttonyos (the minimum level) containing at least 60 grams per liter of residual sugar, up to 6 puttonyos with a minimum of 150 grams per liter. Each level represents an increasing concentration of botrytized grapes added to the base wine, creating progressively sweeter and more complex wines. The 4 puttonyos level contains at least 90 g/L of sugar, while 5 puttonyos requires a minimum of 120 g/L. Beyond the traditional scale, Tokaji Eszencia represents the pinnacle, made entirely from free-run juice of botrytized grapes with sugar levels often exceeding 450 g/L. This centuries-old system reflects the meticulous craftsmanship of Hungarian winemakers and remains legally protected under EU regulations, ensuring the authenticity and quality standards of this legendary wine from the Tokaj-Hegyalja region.

What is the meaning of 5 puttonyos?

A 5 puttonyos meaning on a Tokaji label indicates a very sweet, rich dessert wine with a minimum of 120 grams per liter of residual sugar. It signifies that five traditional baskets (puttony) of noble rot-affected grapes were used in its production.