Puttonyos

Puttonyos meaning in Tokaji wine

Puttonyos is a historical measure associated with Tokaji Aszú, rather than simply a modern sweetness scale. The name comes from the puttony, the container into which selected aszú berries were placed. Historically, the number described the puttony-equivalent quantity of aszú berries macerated in a fixed amount of must or wine; later regulations converted this production ratio into metric standards. Earlier rules associated 3, 4, 5, and 6 puttonyos with minimum residual-sugar levels of 60, 90, 120, and 150 g/L. Under the current Tokaj PDO specification, however, every Aszú must contain at least 120 g/L residual sugar, and stating a puttonyos number is optional. The term 6 puttonyos is reserved for Aszú with at least 150 g/L. Tokaji Eszencia is a separate wine type made from juice released by aszú berries under their own weight and must contain at least 450 g/L residual sugar.

What is the meaning of 5 puttonyos?

On a current Tokaji Aszú label, 5 puttonyos is an optional traditional indication. The wine must meet the general Aszú minimum of 120 grams per liter of residual sugar, but the label does not certify that five physical baskets were used. Historically, the number referred to a puttony-equivalent quantity of aszú berries added relative to a fixed amount of must or wine.

Sources: current Hungarian Tokaj PDO specification; 2026 EU publication for the Tokaj PDO amendment; Nébih explanation of current Tokaji Aszú labeling.