1991 was an interesting time to be in Hungary. The collapse of the Soviet bloc saw tens of  millions of people with the task of rebuilding their society. In this context, reviving wine traditions was not a particularly important part of the process, but there are interesting stories to tell nonetheless. Two Frenchmen from Pomerol, Jean-Michael Arcaute and Jean-Louis Laborde, knew their history, and knew the glories of Tokaji, the once-world famous appellation and birthplace of Botrytized wine. Many French wineries would go on to invest in Tokaji, but Jean-Michel and Jean-Louis were first. They purchased Chateau Pajzos and set to work making quality wine there for the first time in generations. Sweet wines may have been the North Star that brought them here, but this dry Tokaji has benefitted from the work too. There are few grapes as crisp, clean-cut, and as full of mineral intensity as Furmint, and this inexpensive wine has it all. Aromas of peach and apple, pear blossom, white pepper and flint, flavors of apple and lemon and basalt-infused soil. The wine is vivid and clear and finishes with a refreshing snap. Great for year-round use alongside seafood and airfood, or simple charcuterie plates.