Eger

Eger lies in northeastern Hungary at the foot of the Bükk Mountains, between the Mátra and Bükk ranges. Most vineyards sit at 160 to 180 metres, though Nagy-Eged rises above 500 metres and contains Hungary's highest vineyard. Volcanic rhyolite tuff lies beneath clay-rich brown soils, with limestone, slate, zeolite, marl and sandstone also present.

It is a cool region. Mountain winds bring cooler nights after warm summer and autumn days, helping grapes retain acidity and primary fruit aromas. Around 600 mm of annual rainfall supports balanced grape development. The wines tend toward lively acidity, rich aromas and restrained tannin. Red wines can have fruit and spice, a long finish and relatively low tannin. Kékfrankos may show dark colour, black pepper, plum, soft tannin and bright acidity.

Egri Bikavér is a dry red blend. Kékfrankos forms the base of Classicus Bikavér, but no single grape defines the wine. Egri Csillag is a white blend of domestic varieties: Classicus is fresh, fruity and floral, while Superior and Grand Superior wines may be fuller-bodied, more mature and mineral. Eger is pursuing more detailed origin protection, while Bükk and Mátra follow distinct paths within Upper Hungary.

Producer profiles

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• St Andrea VineyardA Lőrincz family winery in Egerszalók, working traditional Eger varieties and the single-vineyard Boldogságos white blend.