What level of sweetness is typical in Tokaji Aszú wines?

Tokaji Aszú wines are renowned for their distinct sweetness, which is primarily due to the botrytis fungus (noble rot) that affects the grapes used in their production. This fungus dehydrates the grapes and concentrates their sugars, leading to the creation of wines that are typically very rich and sweet. The sweetness in Tokaji Aszú is measured in units called puttonyos, with higher puttonyos indicating greater levels of residual sugar. While there are some styles of Tokaji that may exhibit varying levels of sweetness, Tokaji Aszú is widely recognized for being one of the sweetest wine styles available, celebrated for its balance of sweetness with acidity, which adds to its complexity and aging potential. This character distinguishes it from other wine categories, such as dry, semi-sweet, or merely sweet options, firmly positioning Tokaji Aszú within the realm of very sweet wines.