This name seems to be very widely used (or misused): in Alsace, it may be used to denote the Grey Pinot (Rulaender), in Hungary a type of production. The Tokaj grape is in no way related to the famous Hungarian Tokaji wines (which are made from Furmint - Šipon grapes) or the Grey Pinot.
In fact, the name was the subject of international litigation between Hungary and a number of other countries which the Hungarians eventually won. Current international rulings have decreed that "Tokaj," "Toccai," and other variants of the name have "a geographic connotation" and since Tokaji is a Hungarian winegrowing region, the name is now reserved exclusively for Hungarian wines. The Italians, French, and Slovenes will have to invent a new name for their wines of this type.
The Tokaj vine originates from northeastern Italy, and its wine is well known as Toccai Friulano. Tokaj grapes are golden yellow and very sweet; the vine is quite dependable with regular and plentiful yields. If vineyards are allowed to bear fruit to the maximum capacity, the resulting wine has a rather thin bouquet and a dull taste, but if the yield is reduced, the wine is truly memorable.
Tokaj wine is of a light greenish-yellow colour, dry, high in alcohol, with a neutral and rather delicate bouquet reminiscent of almonds and field flowers. The acids are low but can be quite rough in young wine of poor vintage. Good vintage Tokaj is a very harmonious wine. Although some oenologists maintain that the wine should only be enjoyed when young, it acquires a noble and distinguished aroma with aging; however, the proper maturation of Tokaj is quite demanding.
In Slovenia, Tokaj is exclusive to the Brda area of the Primorje region and is usually marketed under the registered name of Briški Tokaj.
With its low acids, Tokaj is an ideal aperitif wine; it is also perfect with egg dishes and vegetable risotto.