A Royal History Revived

For centuries, the Tokaj region of northeastern Hungary produced some of the most prized wines in Europe, and Királyudvar, whose name means roughly "King's Court," supplied imperial wine to the Habsburgs. Decades of upheaval left the region's estates in decline. In 1997, after tasting a remarkable Tokaji Aszú in Budapest, American businessman Anthony Hwang drove some 200 kilometers to Tokaj the next day and soon bought the estate in the village of Tarcal. He restored its historic manor and press house and revived its famous vineyards. For anyone who wants to buy Hungarian wine online, Királyudvar is one of the great names of Tokaj's modern renaissance.

Great Crus on Volcanic Soils

Királyudvar's vineyards include historic crus such as Henye, Percze, Becsek and the grand cru Lapis. Tokaj's soils are volcanic clay and rock, giving wines with intense minerality and high natural acidity. The main grapes are Furmint, prized for its tension and depth, and Hárslevelű, which adds perfume and richness.

A Sister Estate in the Loire

Hwang also owns Domaine Huet in Vouvray, one of France's earliest biodynamic estates, and that connection shaped Királyudvar. With guidance from Huet's team, Királyudvar converted to biodynamic farming in 2008 and later earned certification, a pioneering step in Tokaj. Winemaker Szabolcs Juhász has led the cellar since 2009.

Pezsgő "Henye"

Inspired by Huet's famous Pétillant, Hwang launched Pezsgő "Henye" with the 2007 vintage, the first traditional-method sparkling wine in Tokaj. It comes from the Henye vineyard and blends Furmint with Hárslevelű. The base wine is fermented in Hungarian oak casks, then aged on its lees in bottle for years, with dosage, when used, sometimes coming from a touch of aged Tokaji. The result shows green apple, pear, quince, citrus and smoky minerality with a fine bead and a dry, savory finish.

Why Királyudvar Matters Today

Királyudvar shows that Tokaj's volcanic vineyards can make world-class dry and sparkling wines, not just legendary sweet ones. For customers of Harvest Wine Shop San Diego, the Pezsgő Henye is a rare, delicious discovery: biodynamic sparkling wine with history, from one of Europe's most storied regions.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What is Királyudvar known for?

A historic Tokaj estate known for biodynamic Furmint, sweet Tokaji Aszú and the region's first traditional-method sparkling wine.

2. How do you pronounce Királyudvar?

Roughly "KEE-rye-oohd-var."

3. Who owns Királyudvar?

The Hwang family, led by Anthony Hwang, who also owns Domaine Huet in Vouvray.

4. What does "Pezsgő" mean?

It is the Hungarian word for sparkling wine.

5. What grapes are in Pezsgő "Henye"?

Furmint and Hárslevelű from the Henye vineyard. Proportions vary by vintage.

6. How is it made?

In the traditional method, with the second fermentation in the bottle and extended lees aging.

7. Is Királyudvar biodynamic?

Yes. The estate converted to biodynamic farming in 2008 and later earned certification.

8. Where is Tokaj?

In northeastern Hungary, close to the Slovak border.

9. What does Henye taste like?

Green apple, pear, quince and citrus with smoky, volcanic minerality and a dry finish.

10. What food pairs with Pezsgő "Henye"?

• Starters: Fried appetizers, gougères, charcuterie
  
• Seafood: Smoked fish, crab, trout
  
• Poultry and pork: Roast chicken, pork schnitzel
  
• Cheese: Aged Gouda, Comté
  

11. Is Tokaj only for sweet wine?

No. While famous for sweet Aszú, Tokaj also makes outstanding dry and sparkling wines.

12. Why is it connected to Domaine Huet?

Both estates are owned by the Hwang family, and Huet's Pétillant inspired the creation of Pezsgő Henye.

13. How should I serve it?

Chill to about 45 to 50°F and serve in a white wine glass.

14. Where can I buy Királyudvar online?

You can buy it at Harvest Wine Shop San Diego, specializing in biodynamic and hard-to-find European wine, with shipping to California and select states.