A guide to the most famous Hungarian wines and grape varieties

Hungary, with its rich winemaking history, produces a variety of exceptional wines that are celebrated worldwide. It is a common misconception that Hungary solely excels at making dessert wines. Therefore, here is a handy guide to some of the most famous Hungarian wines.

Tokaji Aszú

Known as the “Wine of Kings, King of Wines,” Tokaji Aszú is a highly popular sweet dessert wine from the Tokaj region. It is primarily made from Furmint grapes, and features flavours of apricot, honey, and nuts, with vibrant acidity and significant ageing potential. Wine enthusiasts who are not necessarily great fans of sweet wines have also noted that this Hungarian wine is phenomenal.

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Egri Bikavér / Bull’s Blood of Eger

Egri Bikavér, or Bull’s Blood of Eger, is a robust red blend made from mainly Kékfrankos and Kadarka grapes. It is known for its deep ruby colour and rich, spicy flavours, making it a favourite among red wine lovers. It might be quite self-explanatory, but Bull’s Blood was named after its blood-like colour.

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Furmint

Furmint is undoubtedly a special grape variety with a unique flavour. Furmint, primarily from Tokaj and Somló, is used in both sweet and dry wines. Dry Furmint is noted for its crisp acidity, minerality, and flavours ranging from citrus to honey, reflecting Hungary’s volcanic soils.

Kékfrankos

Are you a fan of red Hungarian wines? Kékfrankos, or Blaufränkisch, is a grape variety that thrives in Hungary, particularly in the regions of Sopron and Eger. This red wine is prized for its elegance, featuring flavours of dark cherry, blackberry, and spice, supported by good acidity and fine tannins. Kékfrankos wines are versatile, pairing well with a variety of dishes, and have the potential to age gracefully, gaining complexity with time.

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Irsai Olivér

Looking for something fresh and fruity on a summer night? Irsai Olivér is a light, aromatic white wine you must try. This grape variety is grown in various regions across Hungary, producing wines with floral and citrus notes, making it an ideal choice for summer sipping. Its light body and vibrant acidity make Irsai Olivér a delightful aperitif or a versatile companion to light dishes and salads.

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Kadarka

Kadarka is a traditional Hungarian grape variety that produces light to medium-bodied red wines. Although we could argue that this grape variety is not of Hungarian origins, as it was brought to the Carpathian Basin by the Rascians, it is nowadays considered a key element of traditional Hungarian winemaking. Kadarka is predominantly grown in the Szekszárd and Villány regions, these wines are known for their spicy and fruity flavours, with notes of red berries, pepper, and earth. This wine is cherished for its distinctive taste and versatility at the table.

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