The Best Hungarian Wines

Have you ever pondered what makes Hungarian wines so special? Like an old good friend, these wines consistently surprise, finding a balance between age-old traditions and fresh innovations. Each sip unveils another story, rooted in the rich heritage of the Hungarian landscapes. Now, we invite you to learn which are the best Hungarian wines, discover their stories, and feel inspired to choose a genuine Villány or Tokaji specialty when you buy or order wine online.

The History of Hungarian Wines

Hungarian viticulture predates even the era of French wines. Consider Tokaji Aszú, which received special attention well before Bordeaux and remains world-renowned today. The history of Hungarian wines is like a journey back in time, where each wine region, like a separate chapter, awaits with thrilling stories.

The roots of Hungarian winemaking stretch deep into the annals of history, where viticulture played a significant role even during the Roman era. However, the real story begins when the Hungarian tribes settled in the Carpathian Basin and discovered the potential of the fertile lands. Viticulture and winemaking soon became integral to their lives, becoming economically and culturally significant in the region.

Particularly notable wine regions like Tokaj, Eger, and Villány have been homes to viticulture for centuries. For example, Tokaji Aszú, known as the king of dessert wines, was the first wine to be provided with a controlled designation of origin, long before Bordeaux. These regions and their wines not only reflect their historical and geographical significance but also embody the depth and diversity of Hungarian wine culture.

The Birth of Legendary Hungarian Wines

Tokaj, known as "the wine of kings and the king of wines," holds the title as one of the oldest wine regions, where Tokaji Aszú was born. According to legend, this sweet wine was created as a result of a late harvest, when the vineyard owners were delayed in returning to their vines due to a Turkish attack, and the grapes had become nobly rotten by the time they were harvested, leading to the production of the first Aszú. This wine has been praised around the world since the 17th century; even Ferenc II Rákóczi gifted it to King George V of England, who spoke highly of it.

Tokaji Wineries

Speaking of Tokaj, it's time to introduce a few wineries from Hungary’s most famous wine region.

Hold & Hollo Winery

Located in the heart of the Tokaj wine region, in the historically significant town of Mád, the Hold & Hollo winery occupies a special place on the palette of Hungarian viticulture. In this town, where viticulture thrived as early as the 15th century, the winery cultivates 28 hectares that showcase the rich terroir of Tokaj. The unique soil structure and microclimate of the Mádi Basin provide a unique opportunity for the wines of Holdvölgy to reflect the region's diversity and winemaking traditions.

The wines of Hold & Hollo Winery possess exceptional character and complexity thanks to the strong influence of the terroir. The varied soil structure in different vineyards—rich in high clay content red zeolite, quartz, rhyolite rocks, and flint deposits—creates a special microclimate, allowing the grapes to mature to the highest quality. This rich mineral environment is reflected in the wines' deep, nuanced flavor profile and intense minerality. Thanks to biodynamic viticultural practices, the wines emphasize natural flavors and aromas, making Hold & Hollo wines a true gastronomic experience for connoisseurs.

Invite these special wines from Mád into your home!

Balassa Winery

The story of Balassa Winery, which began in 2005, springs from the passionate commitment of winemaker István Balassa. What started as seemingly innocent beer drinking in the summer of 1999 quickly turned into a lifelong vocation. Obsessively researching the fortunate terroir of the Tokaj wine region, István Balassa cultivates 17.6 hectares (including 2.4 hectares of fallow land), which encompasses 45 parcels across 11 vineyards around Tokaj, Tarcal, and Mád. This diverse and varied area gives Balassa wines their unique character, embodying centuries-old traditions and modern winemaking techniques alike.

István Balassa considers winemaking the second most exciting profession after Daniel Craig's role as 007, and although no violence or firearms are used here, the creativity and complexity exceed it. According to the winery’s philosophy, the essence of winemaking is creative problem-solving, centered on maximizing the potential hidden in the grapes at harvest. István Balassa believes that every step in winemaking alters the taste experience, and only a truly excellent winemaker can deeply and richly convey this experience to the consumer. The past years have been about developing the estate and gaining experience, with a future goal of achieving perfect quality, a commitment that knows no bounds.

Taste the Balassa wines, which, like our other products, can be delivered to your living room within 1-2 days!

Gizella Winery

The story of Gizella Winery took a pivotal turn in 2005, when, named after the grandmother following a generational change, a new chapter began in the winery's life. Since then, they have continuously expanded their areas and have paid special attention to the production of single-vineyard wines, which showcase the precise characteristics of their growing locations. In recent years, taking into account changes in the international wine world, they have taken a new direction: toward a modern blend, created by mingling the Furmint and Hárslevelű grape varieties. This robust base wine serves as an excellent introduction to the winery's offerings, followed by smaller batches of special single-vineyard wines, specifically aimed at maximizing the expression of the terroir's unique characteristics.

Gizella Winery takes particular care in the production of natural sweet wines, such as Szamorodni (and Aszú), befitting the reputation of the Tokaj wine region. The wines are made in two different locations, where the smaller batches and sweet wines are aged in a traditional cellar carved into volcanic tuff in Tokaj, while the larger batches are produced at the Bodrogkisfalud community winery under the personal supervision of László Laczkó. For the sweet wines, they use overripe, botrytized grapes, carefully selected to ensure the wines are rich in content and intensely aromatic, reflecting the special qualities of the Tokaj wine region and Gizella Winery's commitment to quality.

Experience the unique Szamorodni offerings from Gizella Winery in the comfort of your own home!

The Treasure of the Eger Wine Region: Bull's Blood

The story of Egri Bikavér is intertwined with a legend from the time of the Turkish siege, when the defenders of Eger were said to have drunk bull's blood to gain strength. Believing that the defenders had indeed enhanced their strength with actual bull's blood, the Turks, stricken with fear, abandoned the siege. This story lives on, and the wine has become one of Hungary's most iconic red wines.

A Special Vintage: St. Andrea Merengő 2019 (Bikavér Superior)

This selection from the finest barrels features an intense aroma, excellent structure, and distinctive oaky notes. Nearly a third of it is Kékfrankos, accompanied by Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Pinot Noir, aged for 17 months in Kalina and Kádár barrels. It's a deep, fiery, mature grand wine, one of the best examples of the Bikavér style we know.

Hungarian Winemaking Today: Preserving Tradition and Embracing Innovation

Today, Hungarian winemakers not only rely on traditional methods but also incorporate the latest winemaking technologies into their practices. Organic and biodynamic winemaking is becoming increasingly popular, advancing sustainability while also enhancing the quality of the wines. Innovators like those in Villány or the Balatonfüred wineries now operate entirely under biodynamic principles, earning both domestic and international acclaim.

The story of Hungarian wines is like a centuries-old novel, where the past and present excitingly merge. Each bottle carries this rich heritage, telling the story of world-renowned wines born from grapes cultivated on Hungarian soil.

Join us and discover the best Hungarian wineries - whose wines you can also taste through us.