Eger's Bull's Blood once again reaches for the sky

Eger is still synonymous with Bull's Blood if you ask the average wine consumer about the region. Although the local offerings are much more diverse, it's worth the trip to one of our most famous wine regions for the truly high-quality Bull's Blood. The history of this red blend is legendary, but it's worth looking beyond the bottle to better understand the gem of Eger's winemaking.

The Red Symbol of the Eger Wine Region

Some tour guides still enthusiastically tell the story of Bull's Blood, claiming that during the siege of Eger Castle, the Turks believed that the defenders drinking red wine were actually drinking bull's blood, hence the name. In reality, however, white wine was predominantly produced around Eger during the 1552 siege. Thus, we accept the 19th century as the official emergence of Bull's Blood.

At that time, Bull's Blood was born from the blending of various blue grape varieties. However, we can't speak of the modern product description and expectations back then. The term "Bull's Blood" indicated a deep-colored, strong red wine, with Kadarka grape variety forming its backbone before the phylloxera epidemic. This has gradually changed, but Eger Bull's Blood remains one of the most exciting and surprising red blends of the region.

What Does Eger Bull's Blood Offer Today?

Eger wines, due to the region's location, have stronger acids, and their taste is often dominated by spicy, fruity aromas. Not only has vine cultivation and winemaking been a long tradition in Eger, but the region is also distinctive for its variety of grapes grown.

As mentioned earlier, in Eger, Bull's Blood always meant that the wine in our glass has the appropriate depth and seriousness in color and character. However, in 1997, the Eger Wine Region Council regulated Bull's Blood, mandating the use of certain grape varieties and winemaking methods. The regulations are complex and vary by category (classicus, superior, grand superior), but generally, Kékfrankos is a mandatory and dominant component of every Eger Bull's Blood. It must also include at least two other varieties and be barrel-aged for at least 6 months.

Wine Tasting in the Eger Wine Region? Excellent Idea!

One could talk at length about Eger Bull's Blood, but it's more pleasant to taste these excellent wines. Fortunately, the wineries of the Eger wine region have worked hard to ensure that the renowned, beloved, and respected Bull's Blood is no longer synonymous with the mass-produced wines of the communist era. The attitude of Eger's winemakers towards viticulture and winemaking has fundamentally changed, and with nature-friendly processes and modern equipment, they have elevated Eger Bull's Blood to a new level.

Petrény Winery – Big Band Eger Bull's Blood Superior

It's hard to go wrong with the superior Bull's Blood from the Petrény family. All five grape varieties for this unforgettable Bull's Blood were harvested from Padok, one of the best superior areas in the wine region. Kékfrankos, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah make up the big band, with the blend spending no less than 28 months in barrels before bottling. The appearance is a medium deep garnet color, serious but still playful.

Petrény wine tasting with gold medal wines in the Szépasszony Valley

Eger

9 990 Ft

Foglalás

The aroma includes chocolate, sour cherry, plum, and a hint of tobacco. The wine, not too heavy, is followed by the region's characteristic spices, ending with a moderately long finish. Of course, you can taste this excellent Bull's Blood at home, but it's a timeless truth that wine tastes best where it was born. So, head to the Eger wine region and make sure to visit Petrény Winery if you're longing for a genuine Eger Bull's Blood experience!