The 21st Wine Tasting (2013-04-20) - Hungary - (Red)

Siege of Eger (1552), it was a major victory during the war between Hungary and Ottoman Empire. During the Siege of Eger, soldiers were supported and motivated with food and a lots of red wines. There was rumors among Turkish soldiers saying Hungarians drink bull's blood, so theyare tough and resisted firmly. Finally, the Turkish troops gave up at the moment. No one can explain this mystery victory. As a result, red wines in Eger earned the name, Egri Bikavér (Bull's Blood). Regarding history, Ottoman empire still conquered Hungary few years later.

Hungary is a land locked country in central Europe. The climate is almost 100% continental with hot summer, relatively low humidity and snowy winter. Therefore, the lake locates at central west of Hungary is very important. Only the southern region near Pécs belongs to Mediterranean climate.

Wine production in Hungary is considerable diversity; vineyards include traditional and international grape variety. Traditional white wine variety includes: Furmint, Harslevelu, Olasrizling, Leankya and Keknyelu; red includes: Kadarka, Blaufrankisch (Nagyburgundy or Kekfrankos), Zweigelt, Portugieser (Kekoporto) and Zierfandler. International varieties are more French origin for easily promoting and marketing. The most important wine regions are: Tokaj, Eger, Sopron, Somló, Szekszárd, and Villány. Tokaj is particularly for white wines, and we had another tasting for Hungarian white wines. (I will post the review after this.)

1. 2009 Gál Tibor, Kadarka (Eger)
  This is a very basic wine. The color is transparent red; sour berries greeted the nose; spicy and high acid in palate. Tannin is low and light body. Apparently good to pair with food, especially spicy food.

2. 2009 Kreinbacher, Syrah (Somló)
  This bottle is a gift of winemaker's mistake; Syrah is not permitted to be plainted in Somló. The authorities decided to encourage growing Syrah as experimental wines after winemaker made the mistake. Therefore, it can only labeled as table wine.
  Purple, red, clear; fresh black pepper in nose; very mineral and spicy. Wines were aged in small barrel, so the flavor is very intense.

3. 2006 Gróf Buttler Egri Bikavér (Eger) (#2)
  This is the real bull's blood (Egri Bikavér) in the introduction. Bull's blood is always blend with at least 3 different grape varieties; no dominant grape variety (between 5% ~ 50%). The Blaufränkisch is frequently used in bull's blood. This bottle contained: Kadarka, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.
  Dark purple and unfiltered; fruity, strawberry, some black pepper and cinnamon; very spicy and high tannin in full body. Smooth and balanced.

4. 2006 Weninger Spern Steiner, Kékfrankos (Blaufränkisch) (Sopron)
  Wines were aged in new barrel. Purple color; some hint of coffee and vanilla. I didn't have chance to try it second time.

5. 2009 Heimann Barbár (Szekszárd) (#2)
  The wine named barbarian wasn't felt like barbarian at all. In fact, this is the very first bottle from this winemaker(S. Heimann) made from the blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Tannat. Purple color; very fruity. I would say she is the wife of a barbarian.
  90% of wines in Szekszárd are red wines.

6. 2008 Sauska, Cabernet Franc (Villány) (#1)
  Wines in Villány are usually made from Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and(or) Syrah. This is a 100% Cabernet Franc.
  This bottle is like a feast; wines after wines. Young and vivid purple color. very fruity with bell pepper, smoked paprika after-taste and caramel at times; just tasted like traditional Hungarian cuisine  There are also some fresh back fruits with red fruit jams. full body; well finished and well balanced.

7. 2003 Takler Regnum Proprietor's Reserve (Szekszárd) international edition (#1.9)
  This bottle is an international edition blended with 37.5% Cabernet Franc, 37.5% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Blaufränkisch. The Hungarian edition contain 100% Merlot.
  The color is between purple to brick on the edge. It's jammy, full body, and smooth tannin. A simple and balance wine. I felt the wine should be decanted for longer time. It's not there yet.