Hungary
Tucked deep in Central Europe, Hungary is a land of rolling hills, thermal springs, and volcanic soils, a country whose winemaking legacy stretches back over a thousand years. Once the jewel of the Habsburg Empire, Hungarian wine is now experiencing a brilliant revival, blending ancient tradition with modern precision. Its continental climate, shaped by the sheltering Carpathian Mountains and tempered by river valleys, creates ideal conditions for wines that balance richness with vitality.
Tokaj, in the northeast, is Hungary’s crown jewel, a UNESCO-listed region famed for its ethereal sweet wines. Crafted from Furmint, Hárslevelű, and Muscat, Tokaji Aszú is honeyed yet electric, with flavours of apricot, orange peel, and botrytised magic that can age for decades. But Tokaj is more than sweetness: dry Furmint is now one of Europe’s most exciting white styles, combining mineral tension with orchard fruit and spice. Beyond Tokaj, regions like Eger (home of the storied Egri Bikavér or “Bull’s Blood”), Villány, and Somló produce vibrant reds from Kékfrankos, Cabernet Franc, and Kadarka, wines that are soulful, structured, and full of local character.
Hungary’s modern renaissance lies in its respect for terroir and restraint. The wines feel precise yet generous, modern yet deeply rooted. Each bottle reflects a nation reclaiming its heritage with quiet confidence, wines that carry the warmth of its people, the fire of its volcanic soils, and the finesse of its long, noble history.