The classification of the vineyards producing the great Aszu wines of Tokaji took place in 1700 - the earliest of any wine region. In the text of this classification and all subsequent texts on Tokaji two vineyards stand out as the very finest - described as Pro Mensa Caesaris Primus Haberi - ‘to be the first choice at the Royal table’.

Both are in the village of Tarcal. One, Csarfas, is a state experimental vineyard today. The wine of the other, Mezes Mály, is made by the Royal Tokaji Wine Company. It’s first limited release, of the 1993 vintage in September 1998, offered the world the first opportunity for perhaps a century to taste what was long considered the world’s ultimate sweet wine.