Hungary
Hungary is a wine-producing country in Central Europe with a viticultural history dating back over a thousand years. It is internationally renowned for the sweet wines of Tokaj, but also produces a wide range of dry whites and reds across 22 recognised wine regions.[1]
Background
Viticulture in Hungary dates to Roman times and flourished under medieval monasteries. The wines of Tokaj achieved fame by the 17th century, celebrated in European courts and enshrined in the world’s first vineyard classification system in 1730.[2] Political upheavals and collectivisation during the 20th century damaged the reputation of Hungarian wines, but since the 1990s, quality-focused producers have revitalised the country’s position in global wine markets.[3]
Wine Regions
Hungary is divided into 22 wine regions grouped into seven broader zones. Among the most important are:
- Tokaj – world-famous for Tokaji Aszú, made from Furmint and Hárslevelű grapes affected by Botrytis cinerea (noble rot).
- Eger – noted for the red blend Egri Bikavér (“Bull’s Blood”), combining Kékfrankos with international and local varieties.
- Villány – a southern region producing full-bodied reds, especially from Cabernet Franc.
- Balaton – surrounding Lake Balaton, producing whites from Olaszrizling and other varieties.
- Pannonhalma and Sopron – historic areas with a mix of white and red production.
Grape Varieties
Hungary cultivates both indigenous and international grape varieties.
- White: Furmint, Hárslevelű, Juhfark, Olaszrizling.
- Red: Kékfrankos (Blaufränkisch), Kadarka, Portugieser.
International grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay are also widely grown.[4]
Production and Trade
Hungary has around 60,000 hectares under vine, producing roughly 3 million hectolitres of wine annually.[5] While domestic consumption is significant, exports—particularly of Tokaji—remain an important part of the sector. Hungary has increasingly positioned itself as a source of distinctive wines combining native varieties with modern winemaking.
See also
References
- ↑ Robinson (ed.), The Oxford Companion to Wine, Oxford University Press, 2015 (entry: Hungary). ISBN 978-0198705383.
- ↑ Balint, Tokaj – A Guide to the Wines of Hungary, Ambeli Press, 2014. ISBN 978-0957248719.
- ↑ Johnson & Robinson, The World Atlas of Wine, 8th ed., 2019 (Central & Eastern Europe). ISBN 978-1784724030.
- ↑ Hungarian Wine Sector (HNT), “Hungarian wine regions and statistics”. https://www.hnt.hu
- ↑ OIV, “State of the World Vitivinicultural Sector”. https://www.oiv.int