In 1729, Habsburg Emperor Joseph I granted a significant tariff reduction to Russia. This resulted in an increasing interest in the Tokaji wines also within Vienna´s noble society. In this time, Tokaji became an ultimate status symbol in Russia.
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But Tokaji wine deliveries to Russia still stalled, because Polish authorities had been interfering with the shipments and confiscating substantial amounts as a tariff. That´s why, in 1733, Tsarina Anna Ivanovna, who ruled from 1730 to 1740, started to run a small colony in Tokaj. They called it the Hungarian Wine Purveyors’ Commission, and its only task was to ensure a steady supply of the excellent wine, while continuing to take advantage of the Austrian tariff reductions. Lieutenant-Colonel Fjodor Vishnyevskij has been assigned to administrate the commission. Until 1798, the Commission, locally known as "Russian colony", had a staff of 35 up to 40 persons. Tsarina Anna Ivanovna (1693-1740), Founder of the Imperial Wine Purveyors' Commission |
A beautiful Essencia from the outstanding Danczka vineyard. Behind the beauty of this Essencia lies a powerful golden goddess, whose soul and magic is contained within the orange blossom honey nectar.
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„I do not like the sour, I'd have you know; Give me a glass that's really sweet!” - „You'll see, at once Tokay will flow.”
from „Faust”
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
(1749-1832)