Becsek (or Betsek) is one of the most esteemed among the 300 historical first-growth vineyards in the Tokaj wine region. Spanning 94 acres, it is the largest vineyard in the 42 areas of Mád. The landscape is picturesque, featuring gently rolling hills surrounded by volcanic mountains in the eastern part of the Mád basin. Neighbouring vineyards include Harcsa, Veresek, Kakasok, Király, and Szilvás. The sub-vineyards are Great-Becsek, Small-Becsek, Burja, and Korposd.
Geologically, it is an extension of the zeolite and holystone-covered Király and Nyerges vineyards. The erosion of the tuff layer exposes materials that were disturbed by andesite lava flows and frost in the past. The microclimate in this area is remarkable. During the autumn season, foggy clouds linger until midday, a phenomenon that is essential for the development of Botrytis, also known as noble rot.
Becsek is one of the oldest vineyards in Mád, with its first records dating back to the 1420s when it was owned by noblemen and barons. Lord Ferenc Rákóczi II also traveled along these routes. Until the middle of the 20th century, the area belonged to the families of Baron Orczy and Szirmay.
The grapes harvested here exhibit a distinct character, which is also reflected in the wines: bold acidity, minerality, complexity, saltiness, citrus notes, pear, and floral hints. A true expression of the vineyard.
This vineyard produces a distinctly unique dry Hárslevelű character compared to the others on the Estate. Since 2008, we have exclusively used this grape for our Expression wine. Additionally, it plays a vital role in our sweet wines. We harvest all the grapes for our Furmint Aszú base wine from this area, and the majority of our hand-picked aszú berries also come from here.
Additional data:
Altitude: 160-200m
Incline: 5-10%
Exposition: South, West
Size of the area: 4 parcels on 4,5 acres
Grape varieties: Furmint, Hárslevelű, Kövérszőlő
Year of planting: 1965, 2007
Cultivation method: mid, and high cordon trellis
