If you’re anything like me, you believe that every bottle tells a story, and today, I’m thrilled to share a piece of my wine journey with you. Get ready to embark on a flavorful adventure as I unveil my Top 10 Hungarian wines with you and a +1 because I couldn’t resist. I will let you take a guess which one’s the extra, I won’t give any order to the wines. I’m not just listing wines; I’m taking you on a sip-by-sip tour through some of the most exceptional and diverse Hungarian wines that have left an indelible mark on my palate. I have tasted these wines in the last 3 year or so and I am sharing my tasting notes with you, alongside to some explanation why I think it is something you should really discover. Let’s get started!
Streit Zagonyi Merlot 2016:
A Villány Gem
And why not start with something close to my heart, regarding the region and the producer as well. I am lucky to know György Streit, the owner of the Streit-Zagonyi winery, an Estate that has a beautiful history in the Villány wine region of Hungary. The 2016 Streit Zagonyi Merlot, with its medium-deep ruby color, invites you into a world of spices and dark fruit. A dry wine with a captivating blend of black currant, plums, and dark chocolate on the palate, it pairs splendidly with hard cheeses or a hearty lamb stew. This Merlot is not just a wine; it’s a testament to the passion and dedication of its creator.
Full Tasting Note: A medium deep ruby color with some garnet on the wine and a high viscosity. The nose is dominated by spices (cinnamon, pepper, liquorice, dark chocolate) with a dark fruit character. It is a dry wine with medium plus acidity, smooth and ripe medium tannin structure and a medium plus alcohol, showing a medium plus bodied wine with flavors of black currant, black cherry, plums, dark chocolate, cinnamon, coffee, and a touch of vanilla in the lovely medium plus finish. A very good quality red to drink now or you can still keep it for another 5-8 years for more evolved characteristics. Have it on 16-18°C. It would pair perfectly with hard cheeses, lamb or stews and even with a Sacher-torte in my opinion.
Jammertal Cassiopeia Cabernet Franc 2012:
A Drier Vintage’s Concentrated Elegance
We are still in Villány with another big boy. A winery that’s still unique today, led by a woman winemaker, Kövesdi Zsófia, who’s won the title “International Women Winemaker of the Year 2023” by Germany’s largest online winemaking portal, selection-online.de. A blend of Cabernet Franc (90%) and Merlot (10%), this drier vintage unfolds with a deeper garnet color and a warm nose of ripe and dried fruits. Aged to perfection, it offers a full-bodied experience with flavors of blackberry, toffee, and a lingering finish. This is not just a wine; it’s a symphony of flavors orchestrated by time.
Full Tasting Note: This wine has a deeper garnet color and a high viscosity (not surprised with the 15% ABV!). It has a warm nose of super ripe and dried fruits (cassis, black currant, black cherries, figs) with cigar, toffee, smoke, salami, vanilla, and dark chocolate aromas. A dry wine with medium plus acidity, high alcohol, ripe and well-integrated high tannin structure which shows a full-body and slightly fresher fruit character on the palate with lots of baking spices, smoke, and vanilla. A long and fruity finish at the end. I consider this as a very good quality wine that drinks perfectly now and in the next 3-5 years on 16-18°C. I would drink it on its own but can be a great pairing with game, steak, or heavier stew dishes.
Grof Degenfeld Tokaji Dry Furmint 2016:
The Elegance of Tokaj
Presenting a dry style from Grof Degenfeld, the 2016 Tokaji Dry Furmint is a masterpiece from the renowned Tokaj region. Certified organic and replanted with care, this Furmint boasts a pale lemon color with notes of chalky minerality and a bouquet of lemon peel and floral nuances. With high acidity and a slightly creamy texture, it dances on the palate with flavors of green apple and elderflower. Perfect with raw fish or creamy chicken dishes, this Furmint reflects the elegance and commitment to quality of the Tokaj terroir.
Full Tasting Note: This Furmint has a pale lemon color with a silver hue and a medium plus viscosity. The smell is driven by a chalky minerality with lemon peel, green apple and floral notes (elderflower, acacia, white lilac, honeysuckle). An intense nose with some yeasty character. Dry wine with high acidity, medium alcohol, and medium body. Slightly creamy texture with flavors of lemon, green apple, elderflower and some brioche in the long finish. A very good quality wine that is best to drink while you can as the wine is not on sale anymore in the next 5 years on 10-12°C. Perfect with raw fish and seafood, oysters, creamy chicken dishes, or as an aperitif.
Weingut Weninger Balf Kékfrankos 2019:
The Essence of Kékfrankos
Another winery that stands out from the crowd. Here they are present in two countries as we have just travelled to the border of Hungary with Austria, Sopron. They are making wines and harvesting from both side of the border. This Kékfrankos (aka Blaufränkisch) is from the Hungarian side, of course. It is a revelation, with its ripe spicy notes, plums, and cassis. This 2019 vintage is a great example of a Kékfrankos, showcasing a medium body, ripe tannin structure, and a long finish. It’s more than a wine; it’s a testament to the unique character of this grape variety, offering a symphony of flavors that unfold with each sip.
Full Tasting Note: This Kékfrankos boasts a vibrant ruby-red hue with a touch of garnet at the rim, indicating its youthful nature. Ripe spicy notes take the lead on the nose, with luscious plums and deep cassis aromas. Subtle hints of cinnamon and cloves add an exotic touch, enhancing the overall aromatic complexity. On the palate, we have a medium-bodied wine with ripe, medium tannin structure and a long fruity finish. A stellar example of Kékrankos, marrying complexity with approachability, making it a standout representation of the varietal.
Gere Attila Pinceszete Portugieser 2022:
A Nouveau Delight
Back to Villány again, I can’t let go this region, it grew on me. But this time a completely different wine. Gere Attila’s Portugieser is akin to a Beaujolais Nouveau-style, boasting a lighter body with cherry and red flower notes. A youthful wine that’s still evolving, it promises a fruity finish and lower alcohol content. While it matures, this Portugieser offers a delightful snapshot of its potential, a playful introduction to the grape variety.
Full Tasting Note: In the glass, this wine presents itself with a bright, translucent ruby-red color, with a medium viscosity. On the nose, vibrant cherry notes with a hint of bubblegum and red flowers. A light-bodied wine with a refreshing and lively experience. The medium-minus tannins ensure a smooth texture, and the lower alcohol content (12%) allowing the fruit to shine in the finish. Despite its current approachability, a subtle suggestion hints that this wine may benefit from a bit more aging to fully unfold its potential.
Lajver Limited Edition Cabernet Sauvignon 2017:
A Symphony of Spices
The region is Szekszárd, just next to Villány but somewhat norther. Another place where you can produce world-class red wines and a Bull’s Blood too! Lajver’s Limited Edition Cabernet Sauvignon is a deep ruby gem that weaves an intense tapestry of spices – black pepper, cocoa, dark chocolate – with plums and cassis. Well-balanced and harmonious, it calls for rich, protein-packed pairings or a deer stew with blackcurrant sauce. This is more than a wine; it’s a celebration of the artistry in winemaking.
Full Tasting Note: A deep ruby color in the glass with high viscosity. The wine slightly colors the edge of the glass. The nose is intense and deep filled with spices (black pepper, cardamom, cocoa, dark chocolate, star anise, tobacco) backed up with plums and cassis and a touch of mint. The flavors are very harmonious with the aromas from the nose, more black fruits and slightly sweeter spices. The tannins are present but rounded and ripe, acidity is medium plus but integrated and the alcohol is not that persistent. A very well-balanced wine! Excellent quality that still can be drunk in 8-10 years at 16-18°C. It needs a lot of protein to pair with or a deer stew with blackcurrant sauce.
Günzer Tamás GT50+ 2020:
A Gastronomic Experience
Yes, back to Villány again with a classic blend. Mr. Günzer was inspired to create a new wine on his 50th birthday. He chose the best Cabernet Sauvignon, Kékfrankos, Cabernet Franc and Merlot from the vineyards to show his several decades of experience in winemaking. Günzer Tamás GT50+ 2020 is a deep ruby masterpiece, revealing a fresh and elegant nose. With its high alcohol content, high tannin structure, and dominant cooking spices, it’s a gastronomic adventure waiting to happen. This wine beckons for a well-prepared steak or a hearty sauce with a plethora of spices, inviting you to indulge in a symphony of flavors.
Full Tasting Note: It has a medium deep ruby color and a very high viscosity. A fresh and elegant nose that still developing. Dark cherries, red currant, vanilla, smoke, cinnamon, green bell pepper and coffee beans. A full-bodied wine where the alcohol definitely comes forward (15%), with high tannin structure and high acidity. The long finish is dominated by cooking spices which makes it a very gastronomic, food-friendly wine. Very good quality that still needs time in the bottle, let’s taste again in 2-3 years but can be kept for another 5-7 years easily. Definitely a wine that shouts for a steak or a hearty sauce with lots of spices.
Somloi Vandor Öreg Tökék Juhfark 2021:
An Intense White
The Öreg Tökék 2021, an extraordinary creation from the Somloi Vandor winery steeped in tradition and innovation. Nestled in the heart of Somló, a very up and coming region in Hungary, this winery embraces the rich terroir and crafts wines that transcend time. Juhfark is a distinctive grape variety synonymous with the region. Renowned for its unique character, Juhfark vines thrive in the volcanic soils of Somló and Öreg Tökék translates to “old vine” which indicates the intensity and complexity of the wine. Somloi Vandor Öreg Tökék Juhfark 2021 is more than a wine; it’s a testament to the craftsmanship of a winery deeply connected to its roots.
Grape Variety Description: Juhfark is a unique Hungarian grape variety known for producing intense white wines.
Full Tasting Note: Intense notes of white flowers on the nose, followed by a burst of zesty lemon and the subtle sweetness of ripe pear. A well-defined structure, showcasing the perfect balance of acidity and fruitiness.The initial brightness gives way to a rich mid-palate, where the interplay of flavors intensifies. The finish, lingering and satisfying, leaves a lasting impression.
Vabrik Rajnai Rizling+ 2015:
Riesling with a Hungarian Twist
Have you experienced a Riesling from Hungary? Vabrik’s Winery in Etyek-Buda (the region is right next to the capital, Budapest) offers a 2015 Riesling that showcases the huge potential in this variety in Hungary as well! I haven’t heard about the producer before and I got this bottle from my best friend and was amazed by its quality! Such a young winery founded in 2011 but produces a wide range of very good wines already. This Riesling is an excellent quality wine and a testament to Hungary’s versatility in winemaking.
Full Tasting Note: It has a light golden color with silver hue and a medium viscosity. Super intense nose with aromas of citrus notes, elderflower, white blossom flowers, honeysuckle, pear, quince, and the unforgettable petrol note. It is definitely a dry Riesling which has high acidity, medium alcohol and a medium plus body with flavors of lemon, ripe apples, pear and some butter at the long finish. A well-balanced, excellent quality wine that worth to keep it in the cellar for another 10-15 years. Serve it slightly chilled to 10-12°C. I would definitely have it next to fish and seafood dishes with a creamier sauce, some poultry or even a pork medallion. It is perfect next to a cheese platter as well.
Thummerer Egri Bikaver Grand Superior 2015:
A Big Blend with Grandeur
I have tasted a lot of wine from Thummerer Winery their brand ambassador. This Egri Bikavér Grand Superior from 2015 is one of my all time favourite with a big blend of Cabernet Franc, Kadarka, Kékfrankos (aka Blaufränkisch), Merlot, and Syrah from a single vineyard called Nagy-Eged. Now, we are in Eger, one of the northern wine region’s of Hungary and Egri Bikavér translates to Bull’s Blood. The other region that can produce this blend but they have slightly different blending requirements. That is for another article for later… now let’s see the tasting notes!
Full Tasting Note: This wine has a youthful, medium-plus deep ruby color with silver hue and a medium-plus viscosity. The nose is full of complex and intense aromas of ripe blueberry, dark cherry, plums, cinnamon, pepper, violet, roses, some earthy character with tobacco and coffee. A dry wine with high acidity, smooth and very ripe but present tannins, well-integrated medium-plus alcohol. A full-bodied red wine with flavors of blackberry, dark cherries, plum, coffee, cinnamon, and dark chocolate with a very long finish. I consider this as a very good quality wine which drinks beautifully now and the next 10-15 years on 15-18°C. Perfectly pairs with game meat, beef dishes, a barbeque and I recommend too with hard cheeses and even dark chocolate bonbons.
Grand Tokaj – Aszú 5 Puttonyos 2013:
A Sweet Symphony
As the grand finale of my favourite Hungarian wines in the last couple of years, I present to you the pièce de résistance – the Grand Tokaj: 5 Puttonyos Aszú from 2013, one of the best vintage in the last decade. The 11th of December marks the national Aszú day, but I adhere to a personal tradition, reserving this sweet nectar for the festive season. I have written so much about Tokaj, its main variety Furmint, a forgotten wine style, Szamorodni that I won’t mention any of them, you can read it for yourself. But this Aszú needs a highlight, so here it is!
Full Tasting Note: With a lovely medium-deep golden color and a medium-plus viscosity, this Aszú wine has a very intense nose with stone fruits, mango, pineapple, honeysuckle, and acacia. A very fresh smell for an Aszú! The wine is sweet but fresh on the palate as well, it has a medium-plus acidity, a low alcohol, and a medium-plus body. I can taste flavors of honey, mango, lychee, peaches, and vanilla in the very long finish. An excellent quality which drinks beautifully now but it is capable of ageing for another 15-20 years more easily. I would pair it literally with everything but the most traditional way is with foie gras, blue cheese, and heavier desserts.
Conclusion: A Toast to Hungarian Terroir
In each bottle, I discover not just wine but a story – a narrative of terroir, dedication, and the relentless pursuit of excellence and of course, the diversity of Hungarian wine regions and winemaking. From the Villány region’s Merlot elegance to Tokaj’s dry Furmint, and the sweet symphony of Aszú, each wine is an ambassador of Hungary’s rich winemaking heritage. I invite you to join me discovering these exquisite creations, each sip is a celebration of the artistry that makes Hungarian wines truly exceptional. Cheers to the richness of Hungarian terroir and the joy it brings to our glasses! Do you have a favourite Hungarian wine? If yes, which one?
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