Eger - The Coolest Wine Region of Hungary
Location
The Eger wine region is located in the North-East of Hungary with the baroque city of Eger at its heart.
Besides the historic monuments of the city of Eger - the Eger Castle (linked to many stories and legends), The Saint Michael and Saint John Cathedral or the Ruins of Valdide Sultana Bath - the region is popular amongst nature and outdoor lovers. The region offers a range of natural attractions from springs to mountains, lakes, and forests. And of course, the region boasts excellent local cuisine with hearty dishes and mouthwatering sweets.
Wine Heritage
Eger has been connected with viticulture and winemaking since the founding of the Eger diocese in 1004.
Eger’s climate is relatively cool compared to the rest of the country with lengthy winters and late springs. The regions soils are diverse and produce white and red wines that are elegant and balanced, with fresh acidity and bright fruit.
The Egri Bikavér
What has made this region famous is of course the Egri Bikavér - or Bulls Blood - a blended full-bodied dry red wine made with at least 4 grape varietals and aged in wooden barrels for at least 6 months. Legend has it that during the siege of the Ottoman Empire in the 16th century, troops of Eger stained their beards and armor with Egri Bikaver, which led the enemies to believe that they had drunk the blood of bulls. The Egri Bikavér was mass-produced during Communism times, crushing the regions reputation for quality wine production. But since the early 1990s the many local wineries have worked tirelessly to re-establish the high quality and reputation of this wonderful blend. The adoption of the Bikavér code has also helped by defining production standards, used grape varietals and proportions as well as aging times. Another typical wine of the region is the Egri Csillag, a dry fruity white wine.
Our Winery Partners in Eger:
St. Andrea Winery
Wine maker György Lőrincz and his son György Lőrincz Jr. pay special attention to the wine varieties of the Eger region, such as Olaszrizling, Hárslevelű, Furmint, Kadarka and Kékfrankos. Their dedication to the area, to the continuously improved grape production, the essence of the terroir is second to none. St. Andrea produces original, very fine and modern wines made in the style of Eger with a nice acidity and great body, great for long maturing. Explore St. Andrea winery.
Tóth Ferenc Winery
The Tóth Ferenc winery can confidently be called a family winery, as through generations, young and old members of the winemaker family work together passionately to bring forward the good reputation of the winery and the wines of Eger. When it comes to wine-making, the aim of the Tóth family is to preserve the old, traditional taste and flavour palate of Eger, and to combine the most modern technologies with the traditional ones. Explore Tóth Ferenc winery.