Certified Sommelier Practice Exam

What is the sweetness level range for Tokaji Aszu?

1. 1-2 puttonyos

2. 3-6 puttonyos

3. 7-10 puttonyos

4. 11-15 puttonyos

The correct answer is: 3-6 puttonyos

The sweetness level of Tokaji Aszú is classified based on the concept of "puttonyos," which indicates the amount of botrytized grapes used in the wine's production. A range of 3-6 puttonyos signifies a high level of sweetness, as each puttony represents a specific amount of these sweet, naturally concentrated grapes added to the base wine. Tokaji Aszú typically starts at 3 puttonyos, which is already quite sweet, and wines in this category can go up to 6 puttonyos, offering an even richer sweetness due to the increased quantity of noble rot-affected grapes. Examples of 3-6 puttonyos wines are internationally recognized for their balance of sweetness and acidity, making them highly sought after in the world of dessert wines. This range encapsulates the traditional styles of Tokaji Aszú, with levels lower than 3 puttonyos being less common and not representative of the classic sweet profile associated with this celebrated Hungarian wine. Higher puttonyos levels, such as those exceeding 6, do exist, but they are rarer and often reflect a different categorization or an extreme concentration of sweetness that can go beyond typical commercial offerings. Thus, identifying the sweetness