Wine is one of the most consumed alcoholic beverages in the world and, without a doubt, one of the oldest known in the history of humanity. Its preparation is based on a fascinating process: the alcoholic fermentation of the must or juice obtained from pressing the grapes. Yeasts are added to this mixture, which are responsible for transforming the sugars into alcohol, and subsequently, the liquid. resulting is left to age in wooden barrels of certain types of trees, such as oak, for a period that can vary greatly depending on the type of wine you wish to obtain.
Of course, one of the most determining factors in the final character of the wine is the grape variety used, since it defines its color, structure, aromas and storage capacity. The grapes can give rise to red, white or rosé wines, and each variety has a unique profile. Although countries such as France, Italy and Spain are internationally recognized for their wine production, there are other territories that, without as much notoriety, offer true oenological experiences. This is the case of Hungary, whose native varieties give rise to unique wines, of great expressiveness and complexity.
What are Hungarian wines like?
Hungarian wines have enjoyed an excellent reputation since the 18th century, especially thanks to the renown of the wine of the Tokaji region. This noble wine was a favorite drink among European royal houses, a treat reserved for the most exclusive and luxurious tables. And the wine of the Tokaji region is a symbol of identity for this region, thanks to the uniqueness of its terroir and the grape varieties that make it up.
Hungary has several prominent wine regions such as Eger, Székszárd, Badácsony, Villány and, of course, the aforementioned Tokaji. In many of these regions, grapes affected by the so-called "noble rot" are grown, a phenomenon caused by the fungus Botrytis cinerea that completely wrinkles the thin-skinned grapes, concentrating its sugars and resulting in wines with an intense golden color, deep aromas and complex flavors.
Located at a latitude similar to that of the prestigious French Rhône and Champagne regions, Hungary enjoys a terrain of gentle hills and mineral-rich volcanic soils. These conditions make this country an ideal environment for the cultivation of vines, and especially, varieties such as the furmint and hárslevelű grapes, as well as the Sárgamuskotály (Muscatel) which have become symbols of the Hungarian wines.
Most used grapes for Hungarian wine: hárslevelű
Hárslevelű is a variety of white grape native to Hungary, and one of the fundamental pillars in wine production Tokaji. Its name, which can be translated as "linden leaf", refers to the shape of its leaves, but also suggests the aromatic profile it brings to the wine: floral notes, honey and delicate spices.
One of the most used grapes to make wine is the hárslevelu, since it is able to adapt especially well to Hungarian terroirs, and its thin skin makes it an ideal candidate to be affected by the fungus. Botrytis cinerea. This process, which occurs naturally in the humid and cold conditions of Tokaji in combination with this fungus, generates a dehydration of the grapes, allowing for a higher concentration of sugars and acidity. The result is sweet wines of the highest quality, rich in nuances and with a surprising aging capacity.
However, not all grapes used for hárslevelű wine end up being part of the legendary Tokaji. This variety is also used for the production of dry or semi-sweet wines, which over time evolve towards honeyed and complex flavors. In many cases, is usually combined with the furmint grape to achieve wines of exceptional harmony, where freshness and minerality are able to balance perfectly with the natural sweetness of the must.
The furmint grape in the production of Hungarian wines
If we had to choose a single grape that represents the Hungarian wine identity, it would most likely be Furmint. This white variety, native to the Tokaji valleys, is extremely versatile and can be used for both sweet and dry wines. In its purest version, furmint is a grape that produces dry wines of great character, with a characteristic acidity and a marked minerality.
Furmint is a grape that provides balance and freshness. This is essential to prevent sweetness from completely dominating the palate, shaping
complex wines that oscillate between richness and lightness. Its rich aromatic profile includes ripe fruits such as peach and apricot, and even exotic notes such as the pineapple, without forgetting its characteristic mineral background, so appreciated by the most demanding tasters.
Although not all the production of this grape is destined for the production of sweet wines, a significant part is inoculated with Botrytis cinerea, generating extremely sweet and aromatic grapes. These berries dehydrated by this type of fungi are the basis of some of the most iconic and long-lived wines in Europe, so there is no doubt that Furmint is a grape with a lot of potential in the world of wine. oenology.Among the references available on the market, you can find a selection of Hungarian wine at La Cave Gillet, our store specialized in wines, spirits and high-end gourmet products. We work hand in hand with carefully selected producers and maintain a commitment to excellence and the quality of the products we sell online. .
Hungary produces wines of extraordinary richness
In short, we can say that Hungary, although it is often a country that is often overshadowed by other wine-growing powers, is capable of offering the world wines of extraordinary richness thanks to its native varieties and privileged natural conditions. Both the hárslevelű and the furmint grapes are examples of how tradition and adaptation to the environment can give rise to true works of art. oenological. Therefore, if you are a lover of good wine, we invite you to discover the nuances of these grapes to enjoy a sensory experience worthy of entering one of the wine regions with the greatest potential today.
