Hungary. Through vineyards
Those who have been to Hungary or are in the wine business know that Hungarian wine is superb and genuinely wonderful. Especially if you get the right ones made by the right people at the right wineries. Yes, those wines are beyond incredible. And the price level is remarkable (hope it will stay like that for a while).
Hungary, as undiscovered as it is, has wines of all kinds - from light whites to deep sweet ones from six large and 22 small wine regions:
- Upper Pannon (Etyek-Buda, Mor, Neszmely, PANNONHALMA, Sopron)
- Tokaj - Tokay.
- Upper Hungary (Bukk, Eger, Matra)
- Danube (Csongrad, Hajos-Baja, Kunsag)
- Pannnon (Pecs, Szekszarad, Tolna, Villany)
- Balaton (Badascony, Balatonboglar, Balaton Highlands, Balatonnfured-Csopak, Nagy-Somlo and Zala).
Some say that there are too many regions for such a little country, and they may be right, but the moment you spend time in those regions, you realize that even being that close, they are very different in taste because there are over 1000 years of winemaking experience, 32 000 wine producers, and tons of grapes grown and wines consumed in Hungary.
Visiting Hungarian wine regions requires a few weeks. If you wish to witness the best and soak up the hills and slopes, sandy soils, life by a lake (Balaton, in this case), meet fantastic people, eat sumptuous food – all at a reasonable price – then this is the place for you. It is a journey through various stories, landmarks, properties, welcomes, and tastes. There are modern gems to be found where the wineries are like spaceships, and their restaurants serve the most impeccable food. Then there are more modest places where the wine tastes the same, just the concept of living is different and food simpler, yet very good. Wineries and wine regions offer the best you can have, from local cheese and charcuterie to seasonal vegetables and meats – all served with wines, crispy whites, elegant reds, fruity roses, or sweet yet refined sweets (tokaji).
My favorite addresses to visit and/or stay and/or eat at:
Kreinbacher - stay, dine, taste exceptional wine, and enjoy their unbelievable winery
A Gere - wine, food, and stay
Bock - food and wine
Sauska - stunning wine and place to eat
Etyeki Kuria - for tasting, excellent wines, and food
Gál Tibor winery - splendid wine and food
Patricius - for that unique Tokaji wine experience
Grapes to discover and keep in mind:
Kéknyelű, Rhine Riesling, Budai Zöld, Rózsakő, Vulcanus, Zeusz, Szürkebarát, Olaszrizling, Királyleányka, Rhine Riesling, Chardonnay, Kékfrankos, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Cserszegi Fűszeres, Pinot Noir, Rizlingszilváni, Tramini, Muscat Ottonel, Cabernet Franc, Zweigelt, Furmint, Juhfark, Sárfehér, Rizlingszilváni, Zöld veltelini, Ezerjó, Kövidinka, Arany Sárfehér, Kadarka, Turan, Syrah, Muscat, Ezerjó, Tramini, Királyleányka, Ezerjó, Tramini, Királyleányka.
