Best Northern Hungarian 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
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.
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.
Best Northern Hungarian Beverage Producers
Best Northern Hungarian Beverages
AWARDS
Decanter World Wine Awards - Platinum
2019
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