The Best Hungarian Wines You Must Taste

A Short Guide to Hungarian Wine

Let’s not sugarcoat it – Hungary is serious about its drinking. So serious in fact, that the country’s culinary traditions and tourist attractions are primarily built around the appreciation of fine wine. But given how old Hungarian viniculture is, this shouldn’t come as a surprise.

Though most European countries have Romans to thank for their winemaking traditions, Hungary takes its viniculture roots even deeper in history. According to some archaeological finds, the first grapes and wines in Hungary were of Celtic origin. This also explains why Hungarian is one of the few languages that doesn’t derive its word for wine from the Latin “vinum.” Instead, it uses a word of Celtic origin – “bor.”

Hungarian wine has had many ups and downs throughout history, from being the go-to drink at royal courts across Europe to being completely neglected during long periods of political turmoil. But Hungarians aren’t giving up. They’re bent on restoring their wine heritage to its former glory, one sip at a time.

And who can blame them? With a country whose climate and local region’s soil are ideally suited for grape cultivation, bringing Hungarian wines back to their rightful place among the world’s finest is a journey worth embarking on. And with the quality and sheer diversity of these wines, this quest promises to be an easy one.

Hungary boasts almost 100 white grape varieties and over 40 of their red counterparts. While there’s a clear difference in the volume between the two varieties, white wine, and red wine are equally represented among the country’s premium wine choices.

These premium choices come from as many as 22 wine regions, each with its unique terroir and grape varieties. If you’re familiar with wine history, you’ve probably heard about Tokaj, the oldest classified wine region in the world. But while this UNESCO World Heritage Site is undoubtedly worth mentioning, we mustn’t forget other notable regions contributing to the country’s rich winemaking tapestry, like Villány and Szekszárd in the warm south, the scenic Balaton wine region, and historic Eger.

Top 10 Best Hungarian Wines to Try

Without further ado, let’s dive into what each of these wine regions has to offer in terms of wine. Narrowing the list to only 10 entries is no easy task, so rest assured only the best Hungarian wines have made it. One click on the wine’s name, and you’ll be able to purchase it directly from Borindex’s website.

Tokaji Aszú

You probably won’t be surprised that we open the list of the best Hungarian wines with the country’s pride and joy – Tokaji Aszú. This renowned wine was nicknamed “The King of Wines and the Wine of Kings” after being enjoyed throughout European royal courts. To produce this sweet wine, botrytized grapes (grapes affected by noble rot) are hand-picked, mashed, and soaked in dry wine. The resulting dessert wine tastes like candied tangerines and apricots, cinnamon, and clover and goes wonderfully with foie gras, lemon tarts, and creamy cheeses.

Kékfrankos

Kékfrankos is one of the most widely planted grapes in Hungary, primarily grown in the Sopron region. In other words, you’ll have plenty of delicious wines to choose from. But whichever wine you choose, one thing’s for sure – you’ll be treated to a rich and velvety embrace of its unique flavor and character. This deep ruby red wine smells of anise, blueberries, and black pepper and pairs perfectly with spicy dishes and beef stews.

Egri Bikavér

What Tokaji Aszú is to Tokaj, that is Egri Bikavér to Eger. The name of this famed red-blended wine translates as “bull’s blood,” which speaks volumes of its bold character. Rich in tannin and spice, this fiery, full-bodied red wine can pack quite a punch, so brace yourself for a memorable wine experience. Pair it with Hungarian goulash, spicy venison, or beef, and take your culinary journey to the next level.

Olaszrizling

Though the Olaszrizling grape variety is cultivated in several wine regions, the volcanic soils of the Balaton region are its true home. Olaszrizling wines from this region are fruity and creamy and significantly differ from the “basic” version of this variety. As for its aroma, this white vine exhibits delightful notes of almond, walnut, hazelnut, and green apple. Due to its natural character, you can pair this wine with a variety of dishes, from legumes and mushrooms to fish and pork specialties.

Tokaji Furmint

Another major wine from the Tokaj region, Tokaji Furmint, is a dry white wine produced from the “siblings” of riesling and chardonnay grapes, the furmint grapes. While drinking this delicious wine, you’ll notice a hint of warmed apple and oak, which make it ideally paired with roast chicken and grilled fish.

Cserszegi Fűszeres

In Hungarian, “fűszeres” means “spicy.” And a distinct spicy note is precisely what you’ll get with Cserszegi Fűszeres, alongside some wonderful floral, honey, and perfume notes. Due to these notes and the wine’s light body, this wine is commonly unjustly snubbed by some wine connoisseurs, who write it off as being too “feminine.” But the truth is that this fruity wine is the perfect everyday wine, made for easy drinking and pairing with a wide selection of dishes, from white fish to Pad Thai.

Merlot

As one of the most popular red wines in the world, Merlot requires no special introduction. This wine variety is produced across the world, so it shouldn’t be surprising it can also be found in several Hungarian wine regions, with Szekszárd, Villány, and Eger at the forefront. You probably already know what to expect when drinking Merlot wines – a high alcohol content, deep red color, and medium acidity. Pair this silky wine with Italian dishes for a delightful culinary experience.

Irsai Olivér

Irsai Olivér is a white wine variety primarily found in the Balatonboglár and Pannonhalma wine regions. This wine is best described as fresh, crisp, and aromatic, especially when consumed young. Its distinctly perfumed notes will serenade all your senses. Drink it alone during hot summer days to refresh yourself, or pair it with some light snacks and meals.

Cabernet Sauvignon

Like Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon is a staple of the wine world. You’ll find it throughout Hungary, waiting to entice you with its boldness and complexity. This full-bodied wine should be enjoyed during cooler months, paired with mature hard cheeses, root vegetables, and game meats.

Tramini

Tramini is an aromatic grape variety, primarily grown in the Mátra, Pannonhalma, and Neszmély wine regions. Since it’s less widespread than most grape varieties on our list, Tramini represents somewhat of a hidden gem in the Hungarian viniculture. With high alcohol content, low acidity, and an expressive character, this wine will knock you off your feet (hopefully, only figuratively!). The dense texture of this wine pairs nicely with various cheeses, from young light varieties to blue cheeses.

Delicious Wines at Your Fingertips

Any wine lover should try to visit Hungary at least once in their lifetime. This wine-loving nation will wow you with a large repertoire of carefully crafted wines and a plethora of wine-related activities that will make your trip truly memorable. But just because you can’t enjoy delicious Hungarian wines in a vineyard overlooking the rolling hills of Villány right now, it doesn’t mean you don’t get to enjoy them altogether. Order your favorite wines directly from Borindex’s website and bring a taste of Hungary’s wine paradise right to your doorstep.