A guide to the most famous Hungarian wines and grape varieties

Hungary, with its rich winemaking tradition, produces a variety of exceptional wines that are celebrated around the world. It is a common misconception that Hungary specializes solely in the production of dessert wines, so here is a handy guide to some of the most famous Hungarian wines.

Tokaji Aszu

Known as the “wine of kings, king of wines”, Tokaji Aszú is a very popular sweet dessert wine from the Tokaj Region. Made primarily from Furmint grapes, it features aromas of apricot, honey and nuts, a lively acidity and significant aging potential. Wine lovers who aren’t necessarily big fans of sweet wines have also found this Hungarian wine to be phenomenal.

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Egri Bikavér / Bull’s Blood of Eger

Egri Bikavér, or Bull’s Blood of Eger, is a bold red wine blend made primarily from Kékfrankos and Kadarka grapes. It is known for its deep ruby ​​color and rich, spicy aroma, making it a favorite among red wine lovers. It may be self-explanatory, but Bull’s Blood was named for its blood-like color.

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Furmint

Furmint is undoubtedly a special grape variety with a unique taste. Furmint, mainly from Tokaj and Somló, is used for both sweet and dry wines. Dry Furmint is known for its fresh acidity, minerality and aromas ranging from citrus to honey, reflecting Hungary’s volcanic soils.

Blaufränkisch

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

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Irsai Oliver

Fancy something fresh and fruity for a summer evening? Irsai Olivér is a light, aromatic white wine that you must try. This grape variety is grown in various regions of Hungary and produces wines with floral and lemony notes, making it an ideal choice for summer. Its light body and lively acidity make Irsai Olivér a delicious aperitif or a versatile accompaniment 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 it could be argued that this grape variety is not of Hungarian origin, as it was brought to the Carpathian Basin by the racists, 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 aromas with notes of red berries, pepper and earth. This wine is appreciated for its distinctive taste and versatility at the table.

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