Hungary has one of the oldest wine cultures in Europe. There is evidence of pre-Roman wine cultivation. Only two European languages have words for wine that are not derived from Latin: Greek and Hungarian... Read more

Hungary has one of the oldest wine cultures in Europe. There is evidence of pre-Roman wine cultivation. Only two European languages have words for wine that are not derived from Latin: Greek and Hungarian. Today Hungary is most well known for two reasons – the first is Egri Bikavér (Bull’s Blood) a rich and robust red wine and Tokaji Aszú, one of the greatest sweet wines of the world, a wine that induced Louis XIV of France to utter the words "Winum regnum rex vinorum" (The wine of kings, the king of wines), a wine that has been gracing royal, papal and aristocratic tables since the 16th century.

Hungary is now in step with broader European winemaking trends, red grapes have been on the rise in recent decades. Renewed interest in the indigenous Hungarian Kadarka and common Central European varieties like Blaufränkisch (Kékfrankos) and Zweigelt has blossomed alongside plantings of Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and other international varieties. Matching the range of red grapes to the right regions and improving practices in the vineyard and winery has yielded excellent single-variety bottles that can compete on the international stage.

Perhaps the most dramatic improvement has come in the quality of blended wines, from prestigious new-wave cuvées that define a particular house style to updated versions of traditional blends like Egri Bikavér. In the decades of Communist preference for quality over quantity, the once-respected Bull’s Blood sank into disrepute. But with modern production techniques, and the addition of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Pinot Noir to the range of blending options, premium Bull’s Blood is back. White wines have a long track record in Hungary, offering a perfect foil for the intense, pungent qualities of traditional cuisine. The most important whites are still Furmint and Hárslevelü (the grapes of Tokaji), along with Riesling, Welschriesling (Olaszrizling in Hungarian, and no relation to German Riesling) and Zöld Veltlini (Austrian Grüner Veltliner); Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris are getting increasing attention. Collapse