Hungarian Wine

The wine industry in Hungary has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, with its wines now receiving widespread recognition and appreciation on a global scale. The unique flavour profiles of Hungarian wines are one of the key reasons for their global success. These flavours are born from the country’s indigenous grape varieties, as well as the innovative techniques used by local winemakers to enhance the quality of their wines. While the sweet wines of Tokaj have garnered the most attention, there is also growing recognition for Hungary’s dry and medium-bodied wines, which are rapidly gaining popularity among wine enthusiasts worldwide.

Furmint

Furmint is a highly valued grape variety native to Hungary, particularly in the vineyards of the renowned Tokaj region, which is famous for its sweet wines. This white grape variety is known for its ability to produce wines that have a well-balanced taste with high acidity and a complex flavour profile that includes notes of honey, apricot, and spice. This unique combination of flavours makes Furmint wines stand out from others. To make Furmint wines even more enjoyable, many winemakers choose to age them in oak barrels, which gives the wine a rich, creamy texture.

Hárslevelű

Hárslevelű is a white grape variety that is native to the Carpathian Basin. It is frequently blended with Furmint to produce the amazing sweet wines of Tokaj. One of the most notable characteristics of wines made from Hárslevelű grapes is their captivating floral bouquet that is simply delightful. They also have evocative flavours of honey and dried fruits that are a perfect balance of sweet and tangy. These wines are usually aged in stainless steel tanks to preserve their fresh, fruity essence and to enhance their crisp and refreshing taste. It is a must-try wine variety for anyone who loves sweet wines or wants to explore the unique flavours of Hungary’s wines.

Kékfrankos

Kékfrankos, also known as Blaufränkisch internationally, is a red grape variety that is widely grown in Hungary’s vineyards. It is known for producing wines that are highly regarded for their deep colour, complex flavour profile, and subtle notes of blackberry, plum, and spice. Kékfrankos is a versatile grape that can be used to make various styles of wine, ranging from light and fruity to rich and full-bodied. The wine is often aged in oak barrels, which imparts a rich and velvety texture to the wine.

Kékfrankos has a long history in Hungary, with evidence of its cultivation dating back to the 18th century. Today, it is one of the most widely planted grape varieties in the country, and it is also grown in other parts of Central Europe. The grape is known for its ability to thrive in a range of soils and climates, which has contributed to its popularity.

Kadarka

Kadarka, a red grape variety native to Hungary, was once the most widely cultivated grape in the country. However, its popularity declined in the 20th century. Recently, there has been renewed interest in the grape and it is now grown in various Hungarian wine regions. Kadarka wines are known for their light body and lively, spicy, and fruity flavour profile. These wines are typically aged in stainless steel tanks to preserve their fresh and fruity characteristics, which are similar to those found in Hárslevelű wines.

Olaszrizling

Olaszrizling is a white grape variety known globally as Welschriesling, which is extensively cultivated throughout Central Europe. Its cultivation is particularly significant in Hungary, where it is one of the most commonly grown grape varieties. Olaszrizling wines come in both dry and sweet varieties and are known for their light, crisp bodies. The wines are invigorating, with a refreshing citrus flavour. To preserve the fresh, fruity essence of the wines, they are often aged in stainless steel tanks. This method of ageing allows for the wine to maintain its original flavours and aromas, while also giving it a clean, crisp finish. The popularity of Olaszrizling wines has only continued to grow, as wine enthusiasts around the world discover and appreciate the unique qualities of this Central European grape variety.

Other grape varieties

Beyond these noteworthy grape varieties, Hungary also harbours a plethora of other exceptional varieties that contribute to its viticultural richness. Among these are Juhfark, Királyleányka, Irsai Olivér, and Szürkebarát, which are instrumental in the production of an exciting array of wines, ranging from dry whites and enchanting rosés to robust reds.

Hungary’s different types of grapes and its long-standing winemaking methods make it an exciting place for wine lovers. Whether you like white or red wine, or sweet or dry types, you can explore the delicious Hungarian wine scene to find something you’ll enjoy.

This is the first time that the Research Institute Viticulture and Oenology of the University of Pécs has made champagne. The product will be on the market from autumn. According to Turizmus Online, the name of the new champagne will be Nadír 63, and the university’s wine estate is going to sell it. The most important ingredient of the new drink will be the Zenit, a wine type that has been grown on the wine estate for 70 years. This is how the champagne got its name since Nadír (Nadir) is the opposite point of the Zenit (Zenith) on the celestial globe. Furthermore, the cellar is 63 metres below the estate, so that is how the second part of the new champagne’s name was born. The green-yellow-coloured champagne contains soft bubbles, has a fruity scent, and its aftertaste is long.

One can buy the research institute’s selected wines and the new champagne in wineries and webshops. Furthermore, starting from autumn, there will be some restaurants in Pécs and in Baranya county where one can taste the drinks with the dishes fitting them the best.

The research institute started to operate in 1949, and its main goal is education, research, and consultancy, within which there are projects from wine-growing technology to genetic or oenological research. There are 30 hectares of grapes, a 1,600-square-metre and 300-year-old cellar, and an accredited laboratory. The institute has the 6th biggest grapevine gene bank in the world, consisting of more than 1,800 items, 18 state-acknowledged types of grapes, and 20 clones. Furthermore, Pécs is the only place in Hungary where researchers are working on the resistance improvement of the grapes, with which they would like to increase how environmentally friendly the wine-making industry is.

Source: Daily News Hungary article by John Woods turizmusonline.hu

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100% Vampire-proof: Hungary’s best wine cellars

It may lie in Szepasszonyvolgy — or what locals call the Valley of the Beautiful Women — but the Golen Cellar isn’t much to look at. Nevertheless, behind this simple cavern‘s red doors, stencilled with the image of Bacchus, lie barrels of the best wine to be found in one of Hungary’s most beautiful vineyard destinations.

My Hungarian mother, whose family once owned vineyards in the area, would bring me here amid the musty aroma of oak barrels and the waft of red onions on zsiros kenyer — bread topped with lard, onion and paprika. The wine would be decanted unceremoniously into a huge two-liter recycled Coke bottle.

For her, the wine in the Szepasszonyvolgy recalled her student days in the city’s college and her family’s connection with the area. "Your grandfather made white wine like this," she said when tasting a glass of Cserszegi Fuszeres, another local favorite. "This is proper cellar wine, not the rubbish you get in the supermarkets."

They take wine very seriously in this part of north-eastern Hungary, close to the edge of the Bukk Mountains. At one time the local red "bulls blood" was supposed to give residents of the town of Eger supernatural strength to ward off vampirism — a legend born from its violent past in battles with Ottoman invaders.

Even when my mother’s family lost its vineyards after World War II, my grandfather never gave up making his own wine. Today, wine is still the blood that flows through the town’s culture. Eger is the ideal destination for wine fans looking for an informal tasting trip. The lack of pretension in the cellars is a big plus for those wanting an introduction to the local produce.

‘Bull’s blood’

It’s the topographical ingredients of the Eger region that make it ideal for winemaking. It has limestone and clay-based slopes along with a cool climate, not dissimilar to Burgundy in France. Eger’s grape-growing country spreads out into 5,000 hectares of vineyards, and includes wines areas that carry a protected status.

Among them is Debroi Harslevelu, a golden wine produced in Eger’s Debro district that carries the aroma of linden flowers and a rich sweetness. Others include Egri Bikaver (better known as the anti-vampiric "bull’s blood"). Synonymous with Eger, Egri Bikaver is one of Hungary’s most famous red wines, known for its ruby color and spicy notes. The wine comprises a blend of at least three of 17 red grape types from the Eger district.

Szepasszonyvolgy and its more than 200 wine cellars are easily reached from the center of Eger via the miniature train that departs from Egeszseghaz Street. Each cellar has its own distinct flavor. The ones located at the base of the valley pulse at night from local activity and live Gypsy music, while others are more Spartan, pulling in the crowds with quality wine.

source: www.cnn.com

nevertheless – ennek ellenére
cavern – barlang
barrel – hordó
vineyard – szőlőskert
musty – dohos
lard – zsír
to decant – bort lefejteni
to recall – felidézni
rubbish – szemét
to ward off – távol tartani, elijeszteni
invader – betolakodó, hódító
tasting trip – borkóstoló túra
lack of – valaminek a hiánya
pretension – hatásvadászat
limestone – mészkő
clay – agyag
linden – hárs
spicy – fűszeres
blend – keverék
distinct – jellegzetes
Spartan – spártai, egyszerű
to pull in the crowds – tömegeket vonzani

Match the words with the definitions.

answers: 1-d 2-b 3-a 4-e 5-b

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0

false
false
false

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X-NONE
X-NONE

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