Strolling around one of Budapest’s wine festivals is akin to strolling around Hungary itself; each stall is a different region of sun-kissed slopes. We’ve selected just nine wine producing regions from the twenty-two in Hungary, giving you the background on the heritage, climate and wines produced.
Aszár-Neszmély
One of the country’s most ancient wine regions, Aszár-Neszmély is located on the slopes of the Gerecse Hills in Transdanubia. The wine produced here is getting more and more popular in Hungary and abroad alike.
Climate: cooler than average
Wines: Olaszrizling/Italian Riesling, Leányka, Ezerjó, Rieslingszilváni, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Rhine Riesling, Irsai Olivér, Cserszegi Fűszeres, Tramini, Muscat Ottonel
Badacsony
Located on picturesque basalt slopes, Badacsony is probably the most important wine region of Balaton. Full-bodied, top-quality whites are produced here due to the volcanic soil and the proximity of the lake, which creates a microclimate favorable to viticulture. The wine of Badacsony is also known as the “nectar of gods”.
Climate: sub-Mediterranean climate with lots of sunshine
Wines: Olaszrizling/Italian Riesling, Szürkebarát, Ottonel Muscat, Kéknyelű
Balatonfüred-Csopak
Like Badacsony, Balatonfüred-Csopak is blessed with a microclimate excellent for viticulture. It consists of two sub-regions. Balatonfüred produced full-bodied wines with high alcohol content, while the wines of Csopak are lighter but have a more intensive fragrance and richer bouquet.
Climate: sub-Mediterranean climate with lots of sunshine
Wines: Olaszrizling/Italian Riesling, Furmint, Rieslingszilváni
Eger
Although the region is most famous for Egri Bikavér/Bull’s Blood, only white wine was produced here before the 15th century. Today, almost fifty percent of the region is still covered with white grape varieties used for making such first-rate wines as Leányka and Olaszrizling. As for Bull’s Blood, it is made from three (Kékfrankos, Cabernet and Kékoportó), sometimes four grape varieties (Merlot) and achieves its distinctive character after years of aging.
Climate: dry and cool with a long winter
Wines: Kékfrankos/Blaufrankish, Cabernet, Kékoportó, Merlot, Egri Bikavér, Leányka, Olaszrizling/Italian Riesling, Tramini
Somló
Located on the slopes of an extinct volcano, Somló is one of the most famous wine regions of Hungary despite its small size. Characterized by high alcohol and acid content, the wine produced here ages well. According to conventional wisdom, drinking Somló wine on your wedding night helps the procreation of male children. Also, Somlói Furmint is believed to have been the English Queen Victoria’s favorite wine.
Climate: moderately warm summer, long, mild fall.
Wines: Furmint, Olaszrizling/Italian Riesling, Hárslevelű, Juhfark, Tramini.
Sopron
Situated near the border with Austria, Sopron is one of the most important red wine producing regions. Wine has been made here since the Celts. To signal what kind of wine is being sold, wine-growers often place a pine branch on their gate for new wine, a bundle of straw for old wine as well as a red or white ribbon to indicate the color.
Climate: sub-alpine character. Cool summer, sunny autumn, mild winter; lots of rain
Wines: Kékfrankos/Blaufrankish, Merlot, Zweigelt, Tramini, Leányka
Szekszárd
Located in the southern part of Hungary, Szekszárd has long wine-making traditions. Even the Celts cultivated grapes in the region. More than 2000 years after them, Schubert’s Trout-quintet was inspired by its excellent red wine. Only Szekszárd has been allowed to use the name Bull’s Blood besides Eger.
Climate: Mediterranean in character. Hot and dry summer, mild, long winter.
Wines: Kadarka, Kékfrankos/Blaufrankish, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Bikavér/Bull’s Blood
Tokaj-Hegyalja
The most famous wine region of Hungary, wines with the highest alcohol, sugar and acid content of the country are produced here thanks to the unique soil and microclimate of the region. Tokaji has made a name for itself as “Vinum Regum, Rex Vinorum” (“Wine of Kings, King of Wines”) and has been admired by such greats as Beethoven, Haydn, Liszt, Goethe and Louis XIV. The region was declared a World Heritage Site in 2002.
Climate: hot summer, long, misty fall, cold winter
Wines: Furmint, Hárslevelű, Sárgamuskotály/Yellow Muscat, Aszú
Villány
Villány is believed to be one of the oldest wine regions of Hungary, where viticulture can be traced back to as early as 30 BC. The “wine that is worth gold” had already been exported outside Europe to America and Brazil in the 10th century. Today, the reputation of Villány, the most southern wine region of the country, rivals Tokaj.
Climate: sub-Mediterranean. Hot summer, mild winter.
Wines: Kékoportó, Kékfrankos/Blaufrankish, Cabernet Sauvignon, Hárslevelű, Olaszrizling/Italian Riesling, Leányka
