Szepsi
István Szepsi is the name that first comes up in any serious conversation about Tokaj. His family has been involved in winemaking in Mád since at least the late 16th century, by some estimates, he is a 15th-generation winemaker, and it is his ancestor, Laczko Mate Szepsi, who is credited with producing the first specially made Aszú wine around 1630.
Sepsy himself is widely regarded as one of the region's finest producers and one of the persons responsible for its modern revival. In the early 2000s, he introduced the first serious dry Furmint wines from Tokaj, notably his single vineyard Úrágya 2000, which was compared to the best white wines of Burgundy for its minerality, structure and ageing potential. His 6 Puttonyos Aszú, made only from the most shriveled and concentrated berries, is considered the benchmark for this style. Production is very small, and the wine sells out immediately after release.
After suffering a stroke, Sepsy stepped back from day-to-day operations, and now his son, István Sepsy Jr., represents the 16th generation at the helm.
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