Best Hungarian Alcoholic Beverage Types
Tokaji Aszú (vyber) is a full-bodied dessert wine produced in the Tokaj wine region, which is shared by Hungary and Slovakia. It is produced from six grape varieties including Furmint as the predominant grape, but also Hárslevelü, Kabar, Kövérszölö, Zéta, and Sárgamuskotály (Muscat Blanc).
The wine is made from grapes that have been affected by noble rot and are then mixed into a fermenting must or a new wine. The noble rot concentrates the sugars and gives aszú its complex and fragrant aromas of honey, fruit, and spices, which are usually complemented by rich minerality.
THE BEST Tokaji Aszú Wine Appellations
Irsai Olivér is a Hungarian white grape created in 1930 by Pál Kocsis as a cross between Pozsonyi and Pearl of Csaba. The grape is used in varietals and blends and is cultivated in several Hungarian wine regions. It is best suited for cooler areas, and the best expressions generally come from Mátra, where the grape prospers on volcanic soils.
Irsai Olivér is an early-ripening grape. It was initially used as a table grape, but since the 1980s, it has been promoted as an excellent wine grape that can produce aromatic and fresh white wines. The grape is sometimes compared with Muscat because of its subtle acidity and citrusy, tropical, and floral aromas.
Szamorodni is a variety of Tokaji wine produced in the Tokaj wine region (Tokaj-Hegyalja) predominately from Furmint, and some amount of Hárslevelü, Kabar, Kövérszölö, Zéta, and Sárgamuskotály (Muscat Blanc) grape varieties.
The wines are produced from grape clusters containing ripe, overripe, and moldy grapes, and it can be made as a sweet (édes) style—which has a higher amount of residual sugar—or as the dry (száraz) style. Depending on the age, the final taste profile of this prized wine can vary from fruity to nutty, while their character is often compared to some dry sherry styles.
Hárslevelű is a native Hungarian grape that is predominantly cultivated in Tokaj. The grape is a cross, with Furmint as one of its parents. Despite being regularly overshadowed by Furmint, this aromatic grape has been growing in popularity because it was proven that controlled yields and careful vinification result in excellent dry and sweet varietal wines.
The wines are aromatic, soft, and subtly spicy. They usually have distinctive linden honey and blossom notes accompanied by pear, chestnut, and nutty nuances. The wines are medium or full-bodied and usually have medium acidity. The name of the grape translates as linden leaf, possibly as a reference to its linden-like aromas.
Hungarian pálinka is a fruit brandy distilled from various fermented fruit such as plums, apricots, or cherries. The name pálinka has been protected under European Union law, and can only be produced in Hungary from fruit grown within the country’s borders.
Although all varieties must be rested for a minimum of three months, some can be barrel-aged, allowing the fruit flavors to become more prominent and the drink to become more mellow and rounded. Pálinka has to have a minimum of 37.5 ABV, and no flavorings, sweeteners, or colorings are allowed in its production.
VARIATIONS OF Pálinka
Egri Bikavér is a red blend that is probably the most popular Hungarian red wine. It is produced in the south near Szekszárd and around Eger in the northeast. Bikavér is always a blend, usually of at least three different grapes.
Kékfrankos (Blaufränkisch) is the flagship variety, along with Kadarka, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Zweigelt, Pinot Noir, and other regional and international varieties. As it is a cold-climate red blend, Egri Bikavér is typically fresh and approachable.
Juhfark is one of the old Hungarian white varieties. It was once a common and popular grape, but it is now primarily cultivated in Somló, the smallest Hungarian wine region located north of Lake Balaton, known for its volcanic basalt soil.
Juhfark is now almost synonymous with the region where it prospers and results in intriguing, long-living white wines. Juhfark wines from Somló have interesting smoky notes and a distinctive mineral character. They are refreshing, lively, and zesty, with great acidity and excellent aging potential, attaining floral and honey-like notes with age.
Cserszegi Fűszeres is a white Hungarian grape that produces light and refreshing white wines. The grape is a hybrid between Savagnin Rose and Irsai Olivér, which is also a white Hungarian cross introduced in 1930. Cserszegi Fűszeres was created in 1960, but it was released in 1982.
It became one of the most successful Hungarian varieties and is now the second most common white grape in the country. Cserszegi Fűszeres produces approachable, aromatic wines that typically have a hint of spiciness. The grape is used for dry and off-dry styles, though dry wines are usually of better quality.
Szilvapálinka is a traditional plum brandy from Hungary, and this Szatmári version is one of the esteemed protected varieties. It is made from Penyigei and Besztercei plums, which have to make up at least 80% of the base.
All the plums used in the production of this brandy have to come from the region, and the entire process (mashing, fermentation, distillation, maturation) has to take place in Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg County. The resulting drink is clear and colorless, though some versions often attain a distinctive yellow or amber hue during maturation.
The flavor and the aroma are reminiscent of plums. All plum brandies coming from the region have to be rested and oak-aged.
This herbal liqueur is produced with a combination of 40 carefully selected herbs and spices, including ginger, angelica root, lemongrass, and orange peel. The blend is aged in oak casks for six months until it achieves its herbal, bittersweet flavor.
Originally invented as a stomach remedy, Unicum was first produced in 1790 by Dr. József Zwack. The mass production of the liqueur started in 1840 when the doctor founded the first Zwack Company, followed by the central distillery in 1892. In the aftermath of the Second World War, the company was overtaken by state, while the Zwack family fled the country, taking with them the original recipe.
Best Hungarian Alcoholic Beverage Producers
AWARDS

Berlin Wine Trophy - Grand Gold
2023, 2022

Decanter World Wine Awards - Platinum
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IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding
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World Gin Awards - Country Winner
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Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold
2024
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IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold
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Best Hungarian Alcoholic Beverages
AWARDS

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding
2024
AWARDS

Decanter World Wine Awards - Best in Show
2021
AWARDS

International Wine Challenge - IWC Champion Sweet Wine 2020 - Alois Kracher Trophy
2020
AWARDS

Falstaff - 100
AWARDS

Falstaff - 100
AWARDS

Falstaff - 100
AWARDS

World Gin Awards - Country Winner
2024
AWARDS

Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold
2024
AWARDS

World's Best Contemporary Style Gin - Winner
2021



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