Specialist Independent wine merchant Nick Dobson has extended his already diverse list with more wines from Hungary – a natural step when you consider that Hungary is next door to Austria whose wines already feature strongly on his list – extending his wine route from eastern France to Germany and then Austria.
Hungary’s climate is ideal for growing vines; it is esentially a continental climate, with hot summers, long mild autumns, and cold winters, with temperature extremes moderated by the influence of the Carpatheans. Wine has been made in Hungary since antiquity.It is only now, in the early years of the 21st century, that we are beginning to see the renaissance of Hungary as a wine producing country. Our initial range is small, but contains some cracking good wines. Our selections are very much quality-oriented.
One of the problems, of course, is that the language (and labels) is different, so that you need to decipher the local grape names into something more familiar, so Fehérburgundi is the Hungarian name for Pinot Blanc and Kékburgundi is the Hungarian name for Pinot Noir.
That’s where a knowledgeable and reliable independent wine merchant is so important – to guide, advise and answer your questions.
For more info see Nick Dobson Wines
Pinot Noir is called Pinot Noir in Hungary.
Pinot Blanc is called Pinot Blanc in Hungary.
The Later one does not sell well.
Pinot Noir does.
Pinot Noir Rosé is the most drunk rosé for many years on the Hungarian wine scene!
If you want to be surprised in a positive way, look for the following varietals:
- Királyleányka (Little Queen)
- Irsai olivér (An easy to drink – 5.5Euro – dry white)
- Cserszegi Fűszeres (the blend of Irsai and Gewürtztraminer!)
- Juhfark (ewe’s tale – full body dry white with lots of minerals from Lake Balaton – 6-8Euro)
-Kadarka (for a medium body good dry red from 6Euros and up)
- Hárslevelű (late harvest – get the more expensive ones 8-15 Euro!)
-Amicus (Hint: Tokaj’s few “new school” wine makers do some very interesting blends with Probably the Best Dessert Wine in the world: Tokaji Aszú – and the above mentioned Hárslevelű)
Drink Hungarian Wine Too!
Whites get from Hilltop Winery – Neszmély, Hungary
Hint1: usually quite high residue sugar with good acidity – very well ballanced and to get an even more refreshing experience – there is a not to harsh but firm minral taste in all the sortiment
Hint2: look for Hilltop wines in your favourite super markets…