Best Hungarian Red Wine Types
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.
Kadarka is a red grape with an uncertain origin. It is most likely a native Balkan variety that spread during Ottoman rule. Due to its finicky nature, it has slightly declined in popularity, but it is still an important red variety, especially in Hungary.
Kadarka is a late-ripening grape that mainly produces fruity and elegant red wines. It is versatile and terroir-driven, so the wines can often vary in character, but they usually have light to medium body, bright acidity, and low tannins. The aroma is typically fruity, often with hints of spice and sometimes with subtle floral notes.
Csókaszőlő is an ancient red Hungarian grape that was brought back from obscurity. The grape originated somewhere in the Carpathian Basin, possibly around Villány in southern Hungary. By the early 2000s, it had almost gone extinct, but some plantings were saved at the Research Institute Viticulture and Enology at Pécs.
Wine enthusiasts are now trying to reintroduce it, and though it is still not used on a wider scale, several producers include it in their selection. The grape is known for its color and good acidity. The wines are medium-bodied and pleasantly tannic, with fruity, cherry-like aroma and hints of spices.
Best Hungarian Red Wine Producers
AWARDS
Decanter World Wine Awards - Best in Show
2021
BEST St. Andrea Wines
AWARDS
Concours Mondial de Bruxelles - Grande Médaille d'or
2021
BEST Wunderlich Borászati Kft. Wines
AWARDS
Concours Mondial de Bruxelles - Grande Médaille d'or
2021
BEST Bock Pince Wines
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