Hungarian Wine – Discover the excellent „Hungaricum”!

Villány vineyards, one best wine regions in all of Hungary
Villány vineyards, one of the best in all of Hungarian wine regions

Hungarian Wine – Discover the excellent „Hungaricum”!

If you launch a bottle of Hungarian Wine you can realize a great ancient secret.

Hungarian Wine is as likely as not more than you objected, with wine regions and local labels that are as attractive as they are varied. The unusual wines of Eger, the shining delights of Tokaj, the lush reds of Villány, and the ashy whites of Somló: they are heroic, aromatic, real and determined. Soon they will become the following leading roles of the drink nation.

The best Tokaj wines
The best Tokaj wines

What kind of Hungarian wines would you like to drink?

Be supported on the example of wine vintage, its sugar essence, the oenological method managed and the developing time, the wines can be confidential toward particular wine types. Therefore the wines can be isolated into three categories in the conditions of color: white, red and rosé. In agreement with the machinery of winemaking, champagnes and natural sweet wines form an independent department. Tokaji Aszú, Hungary’s best-known wine, be connected to the latest category.

Shot of two bottles of Tokaji Aszú
Shot of two bottles of Tokaji Aszú

Where comes „wine” (bor) from?

Someone can be asked that where comes the name of wine from originally?  Almost every simple terminology which means „wine”  acquires from the Latin phrase „Vinum”. There are only three languages whose word for wine differs: Greek (oinos), Turkish (sarap), and Hungarian (bor). Some historians consider this might announce a previous Hungarian combination to winemaking different from the Romans, delivering the heavy impression that Hungarian wine tradition introduces most of the other wine cultures of Europe.

Tokaj wine region
Tokaj wine region

Hungarian wine and it unusual history

You can imagine that the Hungarian Wines have four important wine field: Tokaj, Villány, Eger and Nagy Somló.

The process of wine-making illustrated
The process of wine-making illustrated

In the past, Hungary was one of the most essential wine manufacturers in Europe. Every royal court in Europe clinked glasses filled with precious gold Tokaji (“toe-kye”) wine, while other lush Hungarian whites and reds were approved and liked all over Europe. Furthermore, that was the best camouflage of the ancient wine province.

What about today in relation to Hungarian nectar?

The forceful attack of phylloxera in the 1880s, two long world wars, and forty years of communist regulation can give the right answer. Luckily, Hungary is thriving again. The traditional winemakers have developed their areas and almost 22 wine regions have been supplied of great nectars to discover and taste.

The types of Hungarian wines!

Hungary’s rolling hilltops are prosperous in volcanic ground and limestone–idyllic soil examples for pleasant winemaking.

Selection of white wines and rose from Bognár
Selection of white wines and rose from Bognár

White wine

Its grape varieties are described by fragrant, aroma-rich varieties such as sauvignon blanc, Oliver Irsai, Cserszeg spicy, royal girl and muscat grape varieties. Their aroma will be determined by the strong notes of grapes: they often have the character of green apples (chardonnay), gooseberries, asparagus (sauvignon blanc) or just citrus (Rhine Riesling). They are usually enjoyable, vibrant wines that are made quickly and we love drinking them at a new age. Inside the Carpathian Valley, their excellent place of production is the Mátra, Bükk, Etyek – Buda, Mór or Pannonhalma regions.

Selection of white wines
Selection of white wines

The other type of dry white wine is the range of wines aged in wooden pipes. During barrel maturation, many warmer, less lively aspects are added to their tastes. With this type, the oxygen content of the air makes the wines rounder and friendlier. Here, from the outset, the farmer needs to pay a little more attention to have more concentrated grapes. Overly slender wines will not make good use of barrel maturation. In these wines, we often feel the aromas of ripe apples, pears, peaches, sweet watermelons or just stone fruits.

Barrel maturation can also create creamy, butter-like aromas and flavors. In Hungary, these wines are regularly produced from furmint, linden, Italian Riesling, chardonnay or viognier grapes in worldwide offer. They can be matured much longer than their counterparts matured in a non-porous container. In addition to the volcanic soils, such as Badacsony, the Balaton Uplands (Balaton-felvidék), Somló, Mátra, Eger, and Tokaj present especially beautiful wines.

Selecton of wines from the most famous winery in Badacsony, Borbély Családi Pincészet
Selecton of wines from the most famous winery in Badacsony, Borbély Családi Pincészet

Red wine

You can imagine that the blue grape varieties are used to make red wines.

The really good atmosphere of the Carpathian Valley are more favorable for the production of fruity, light wines, these wines are principally made from the blue franc, Kadarka, Zweigelt and Portuguese categories. The main production distributes of the thick-skinned blue grape varieties containing many more tannins are the Szekszárd, Villány and Csongrád areas. It is warm enough here for these grape varieties to ripen perfectly. From Cabernet franc, Villány produces particularly beautiful and maturable wines every year, but the cabernet franc, merlot and syrah characters also produce unique, inspiring wines in international connection.

Villanyi wines
Villanyi wines

The masterpiece of the Carpathian Valley in Eger and Szekszárd has bottled red wine called bull’s blood (Egri Bikavér). In both production territories, we have to imagine a wine with nice acidity, a lively, blue-franc variety backside the label.

Natural and sweet wine

Not to mention Tokaj, we can also meet beneficial sweet wines in the neighborhood of the Mátra, Mór and Badacsony, but they also had a tradition at the vineyards of Eger and Ménes (Arad Hill) and Rust.

Selection of Hungarian fruit wines
Selection of Hungarian fruit wines

The incredible Tokaji Aszú

Tokaj Aszú is one of the best known natural sweet wines in the world. In the 19th century, specific descriptions were made of the production of sweet wines and of the manufacturing sites that are most suitable for the cultivation of the raw material necessary for the result of aszú within the wine region. Not to mention that the Tokaj is the oldest wine region in the world, where the origin of grapes and so wines has been laid down in regulations. It can also be named the oldest procedure of protection of basis known today. Additionally, our ascendants produced the aszú within a strict framework, attempt for the perfect quality.

Tokaj wines are produced from six officially permitted grape varieties: Furmint, Hárslevelű, Yellow Muscat (Sárgamuskotály), Zéta, Kövérszőlő, and Kabar. Among these, Furmint and Hárslevelű play the most important role in crafting the world-famous Tokaji Aszú.

You have to know that, the Tokaj aszú is not a dessert wine. It is true that it goes well with most sweet treats, but for the reason that its wonderful structure, it can even be eaten fried.  Chestnuts, figs, cottage cheese, citrus fruits can all find harmony with it.


Let’s taste the great wines of Hungary!

It can also possibly be tasted wine in the above wine regions and pleasant places. They often organize various wine tours to Etyek (Rókusfalvy cellar), where wine tastings with pig slaughter (disznóvágás) are including. Such venues are great for team building training too. For example, the Dávid Wine House in Egerszalók allows you to taste 6 different wines, and you can savor seven kinds of drinks on the Hernyák estate in Etyek. And lovers of white wines should visit the Kései residence in Tokaj. The Szent Donát cellar in Csopak offers 5 different wines for enjoying in the heart of Lake Balaton. And if you travel here, be sure to visit the Paloznak wine cellars.

If you visit Budapest, you can tase wine in fantastic wine bars as well.

Good deal the hungarian wines online!

In the better places – after a good tasting -, we also would like to pay for the delicious brand. You can purchase at the locations too, which was mentioned above, but in addition to these, it is the best way to get the excellent bottles from trustworthy online sellers. Borháló and Bortársaság, both webshops also run as a physical outlet.

The owner of Borbély Családi Pincészet, Borbély Tamás and their selection of fine wines
The owner of Borbély Családi Pincészet, Borbély Tamás and their selection of fine wines

You can find a wide range of regions in Hungary, paying special attention to high-quality and well-known brands. It’s worth receiving the finest wines online, not to mention that we can pay comfortably and immediately with a credit card.

FAQ

What is Hungarian wine and what makes it unique?

Hungarian wine refers to the various wines produced in Hungary, known for their rich flavors and unique grape varieties. Hungary’s most famous wine is Tokaji, particularly Tokaji Aszú, a sweet wine made from grapes affected by noble rot. The country’s diverse wine regions, such as Eger, Villány, and Szekszárd, with their volcanic soil, contribute to the distinct characteristics of Hungarian wines, including both red and white varieties.

What are the most popular grape varieties used in Hungarian winemaking?

Hungary is home to a variety of grape varieties that are essential to its winemaking tradition. Some of the most popular include Furmint and Hárslevelű for white wines, and Kékfrankos and Kadarka for red wines. These grapes thrive in Hungary’s wine regions, producing high-quality wines that range from dry to sweet, catering to various palates.

What is the significance of Tokaji wine in Hungary?

Tokaji wine, especially Tokaji Aszú, is often referred to as the “wine of kings” and is one of Hungary’s most famous wines. The Tokaj region is renowned for its unique winemaking process, which includes the use of grapes affected by noble rot to create sweet wines with complex flavors and high acidity. This historic wine has gained recognition worldwide, making it a symbol of Hungary’s rich wine culture.

How can I experience Hungarian wine through wine tours and tastings?

Experiencing Hungarian wine can be done through various wine tours and tastings available in wine regions across Hungary, such as Tokaj, Eger, and Villány. These tours often include visits to local wineries, where you can taste a range of wines, including famous varieties like Egri Bikavér and delicious dry whites. Additionally, many wine bars in cities like Budapest feature selections of local wines, offering an authentic taste of Hungary’s wine culture.

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