Hungary is known for its amazing thermal baths, Nobel prize winners and cultural events. In addition, Hungarian wine has a lot to offer wine fans and foodies. Hungary has been involved with viticulture for over 1,000 years.
In recent years, Hungarian wines have started to gain attention for their high quality and unique flavors. If you’re looking for something new and different to explore, Hungarian wine is definitely worth checking out!
Hungary is a fascinating country with a rich wine history. Hungarian wines are made in many different regions, and each one has its own unique production methods and grape varieties.
In this article, we will explore some of the most famous Hungarian wine regions. We will learn about the history of Hungarian wine production, the grapes that are used, and some of the best wines and food pairings from each region!
What is Hungarian Wine?
Hungarian wine is a type of wine that originates from Hungary. The climate of Hungary is ideally suited for grape cultivation, with warm summers and cold winters. Hungarian wines are known for their high quality and unique flavor profiles. Sparkling, sweet, red and white wines are all well represented.
The wine in Hungary has a long history, dating back to the Roman Empire. Hungarian wines were highly prized by the ruling elite, and Hungarian wine production flourished for centuries.
This wine was introduced to the rest of Europe in the early Middle Ages, and Hungarian wine exports became an important source of income for the country. Hungarian wine production declined sharply in the aftermath of World War II, but has since been revived and is now once again a thriving industry.
There are now 32,000 Hungarian wine producers and 270 million liters of wine being made annually. As well as drinking wine neat, Hungarians are the most important consumers of spritzers in the world. Fröccs, as spritzer is known in Hungarian is a mixture of wine and soda water with many different versions.
How is Hungarian Wine Made?
Hungarian wine is made using a variety of methods, depending on the type of grape being used. For red wines, the grapes are often macerated for extended periods of time in order to extract as much flavor as possible.
In Hungary wineries, white wines may be barrel-fermented or undergo malolactic fermentation in order to add depth and complexity.
What are the Main Hungarian Grape Varietals?
There’s a wide variety of grapes in Hungary. Some of the most common Hungarian grape varietals include:
– Furmint: A white grape that is also used in the production of Tokaji wine.
– Hárslevelű: Another white grape variety that is often used in dessert wines.
– Irsai Olivér: An aromatic white grape variety created in 1930 by cross-breeding Pearl of Csaba and Pozsonyi grapes.
– Kékfrankos: A red grape that is also known as “Lemberger” or “Blaufränkisch”.
– Zweigelt: A red grape that is a cross between Blaufränkisch and St. Laurent.
– Kadarka: A red grape that is also common in Bulgaria and Romania.
Hungarian wine is often made using a blend of indigenous grapes and international grape varietals.
In addition to these native grapes, there are quite a few foreign varietals in Hungary. These include Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc.
What are the Main Hungarian Wine Regions?
Hungarian wine is world-renowned for its quality, and the country’s picturesque landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for a relaxing glass of wine. There are 6 main Hungarian wine regions and 22 wine districts, each with its own unique climate and soil type.
In total, Hungary boasts 65,000 hectares of wine grapes. 70% are white grapes and 30% are black grapes.
The main wine regions of Hungary are located in the northern and eastern parts of the country, where the climate is cooler and the soils are richer in minerals.
Tokaj
The most important wine region is Tokaj, which is renowned for its sweet dessert wines. The Tokaj region is located in northeast Hungary. The soil is rich in minerals, and the continental climate is ideal for growing grapes.
Since 2002, the Tokaj Wine Region Historic Cultural Landscape has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tokaj is known for its Tokaji Aszú wines. These wines are known for their elegant aromas, and they are often served with dessert.
This famous wine region is also home to a number of other wine styles, including dry white wines and sparkling wines. Some of the best local wines are made from Furmint and Hárslevelű grapes.
Upper Pannon
The Upper Pannon region is one of the most important Hungarian wine regions, due to its diverse range of wines. We were lucky to visit it as part of the Hungarian Wine Summit. The region is home to many different grape varieties, making it the perfect place to find a wine to suit your taste.
There are 5 wine growing districts in Upper Pannon: Etyek-Buda, Mór, Neszmély, Pannonhalma and Sopron. The climate in Upper Pannon is continental, with hot summers and cold winters. This provides the perfect conditions for producing full-bodied red wines.
One of the most red popular grape varieties in this region is Kékfrankos. The region is also home to a number of white wine grape varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc.
The area around UNESCO World Heritage listed Pannonhalma Archabbey is known for its white white wines, which are suitable for long ageing. During our trip, we also visited the charming Hilltop Neszmély Wine Hotel, Erhardt Panzió restaurant, Wollner Hotel, Tuztorony Fire Tower and Steigler Cellar in Sopron. We then headed to Etyek village for lunch at Rókusfalvy Fogadó and a visit to the Etyeki Kúria winery, where we met growers from the Wineries of Sopron Wine Route Association.
Pannon
Not to be confused with the Upper Pannon area, the Pannon wine region is located in southern Hungary. It covers four wine growing districts: Pécs, Szekszárd, Tolna and Villány.
The red wines of the Pécs wine district are extremely popular, although white wines are also produced here from Cirfandli grapes. Villány wines are full-bodied and fruity, with notes of blackberry and plum. They pair well with Hungarian dishes like goulash.
Balaton
The Balaton region boasts the largest lake in Central Europe, as well as a wide variety of terrain. The Northern side of Lake Balaton is hilly, with basalt and volcanic soils. In contrast, the south shore has clay and sand sediment and is known for its white wines.
In all, there are 6 distinct wine growing areas in Balaton: Badacsony, Balatonboglár, Balaton Highlands, Balatonfüred-Csopak, Nagy-Somló and Zala. The region plays host to several Hungarian grape varieties, including Juhfark and Kéknyelű.
Upper Hungary
The Upper Hungary wine region is situated in northeastern Hungary. This area includes 3 wine growing districts: Bükk, Eger and Mátra. It is known for its vibrant red wines, particularly for Eger Bull’s Blood.
Eger red wines are full-bodied and spicy, with notes of black pepper and tobacco. Egri Csillag, which translates as The Star of Eger, is a harmonious dry white wine with floral and fruit aromas.
Danube
The Danube wine region in Hungary should be on every wine lover’s list. The area is known for its unique terroir, with wines grown in sand and the highest amount of sunshine hours in the country.
This results in some of the most delicious and complex wines in the world. If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten path wine region to explore, be sure to check out the Danube wine region in Hungary!
This Hungarian wine region encompasses Csongrád, Hajós-Baja and Kunság. It is known for its lovely scenery and diverse selection of wines, made with local grapes like Kövidinka and Zweigelt.
What Are The Best Hungarian Wines?
Whether you’re looking for a dry red to pair with Hungarian goulash or a sweet white to enjoy on its own, Hungarian wine has something to offer everyone. Here are some of the best-known Hungarian wines that you should try.
– Tokaji Aszú: This world-famous dessert wine is made from grapes affected by noble rot, which concentrates the sugar in the fruit. Tokaji Aszú is intense and sweet, with flavors of honey, apricot, and citrus. King Louis XIV called it “The King of wines, the wine of Kings”.
– Tokaji Essencia: An extremely rare concentrated essence of dried boitrytis grapes, often served on a spoon rather than in a glass.
– Kékfrankos: A red wine grape that is native to Hungary. It has a dark fruit flavor with notes of blackberry and raspberry, and it pairs well with meat dishes or strong cheeses.
– Egri Bikavér: Also known as Bull’s Blood, this full-bodied red wine is made from a blend of grape varieties such as Kékfrankos, Kadarka, and Blauburger. Egri Bikavér is rich and structured, with flavors of dark fruits and spices.
– Furmint: The Furmint grape variety is native to Hungary. It’s often used to make crisp white wines with flavors of green apples and minerals. Dry Furmint from single vineyards is particularly prized.
– Kadarka: – A dry red wine that has an elegant light color. This type of wine is often enjoyed by those who appreciate bold, complex flavors yet with low tannins. Kadarka wine pairs well with hearty dishes like stews and roasts, and it can also be enjoyed on its own. If you’re looking for a new red wine to try, be sure to add Kadarka to your list!
– Olaszrizling: This white wine varietal from Hungary has floral aromas and flavors of apricot, peach, and citrus. It’s light-bodied and finishes dry, making it a perfect choice for summer sipping.
– Hárslevelű: Hárslevelű is another Hungarian white grape variety that is used to make dry, aromatic white wines. Hárslevelű wines are typically full-bodied, with floral and honeyed flavors.
Where Can You Buy Hungarian Wine?
Hungarian wine can be bought at many different stores worldwide. However, to get the best Hungarian wine, it is recommended that you buy it from a specialty store that specializes in Hungarian wines.
These stores will have a better selection of Hungarian wines and will be able to provide you with more information about Hungarian wines. If you are looking for a specific Hungarian wine, it is also recommended that you contact the Hungarian Wine Society or Malux, importers of Hungarian wine and spirits. They are a great resource for information about Hungarian wines and can help you find the Hungarian wine that you are looking for.
How to Store and Serve Wine from Hungary
Hungarian wine is best enjoyed at cellar temperature, which is between 10-12°C (50-54°F). To serve Hungarian wine at its optimal temperature, it should be removed from the refrigerator and allowed to warm up to room temperature for about an hour before being served.
If you’re short on time, you can place the bottle in a bucket of warm water for a few minutes. Hungarian wine can be stored in a cool, dark place like a cellar or wine fridge. Wines from Hungary will keep for 3-5 years if stored properly.
When serving Hungarian wine, it is best to use a decanter to aerate the wine and bring out its aromas and flavors. Hungarian wine is typically served in smaller glasses than other wines, as it is meant to be savored and not consumed quickly.
Hungarian Wine and Food Pairings
Hungarian wine is often characterized by its high acidity, which can make it a great pairing for food. It goes well with a variety of foods, including meats, cheeses, and vegetables.
Try pairing Hungarian red wine with goulash, chicken paprikash, or Hungarian sausage. Hungarian white wines pair well with lighter fare like salads and fish.
Enjoy Hungarian sweet wine with Hungarian desserts like strudel or Dobos torte. Tokaji wines can be enjoyed with a variety of dishes, including seafood, poultry, and pork.
If you’re looking for a sparkling wine, Hungarian Sekt is a good option.
No matter what you’re serving, there’s a Hungarian wine that will pair perfectly. So, next time you’re planning a Hungarian meal, be sure to pick up a bottle (or two!) of Hungarian wine. Cheers!
Hungarian Wine Summit
We were fortunate to attend the first ever Hungarian Wine Summit in March 2022. Starting with a tour of the Upper Pannon wine region, our visit culminated with a series of expert masterclasses at Hungexpo in Budapest.
We learnt about Tokaj’s natural sweet wines, the many faces of Furmint, the native Hungarian grapes Kékfrankos and Olaszrizling, Bikaver’s historic blends and the rise of Cabernet Franc.
The summit was also the occasion to meet with a number of Hungarian wine growers who are passionate about viticulture.
Hungarian Wine Festivals
Hungarian wine festivals are a great way to sample some of the best wines that the country has to offer. There are many different festivals held throughout the year, each with its own unique flavor.
The Budapest Wine Festival is one of the most popular, and it features wines from all over Hungary. The Egri Bikavér Wine Festival, also known as the Blood Festival, is another favorite.
The Tokaj Wine Region also hosts a number of festivals, including the Wine Days at the beginning of June. Hungarian wine lovers will definitely find something to suit their taste at one of these fantastic festivals.
In Conclusion: Hungarian Wine
Hungarian wines offer a wide range of flavors and styles to suit any palate. If you’re looking to try something new, be sure to check out these quality wines.
Hungarian wine is a great way to experience the unique culture and history of Hungary. These wines are available for purchase all over the world, and are becoming increasingly popular with wine enthusiasts. They have won many international awards and accolades.
