Any wine lover knows the main international wine countries such as France, Italy, California, Spain, Portugal, Australia, New Zealand, Argentina and South Africa. And I’m talking about only the most known wine growing countries not the ones containing the small, unique and boutique vineyards like Hungary. This beautiful country has 22 wine regions including Tokaj, the wine region, which is considered the first appellation in the world producing all types of wines.
There is a new trend in the wine world: Organic and biodynamic wines. What do they mean? Organic wines are produced without the use of chemicals like pesticides and herbicides and with less sulphur-dioxide, while biodynamic wines made using practices according to holistic way of agriculture. Therefore, the stages of viticulture controlled by a calendar when to harvest, prune, water and leave the vines alone. I didn’t really know these methods exist until I opened a Grgich Hills 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon in 2013. The wine was exceptionally clean and smooth so later I decided to visit the winery in Napa. When I was there I realized they have a 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon as well. I tasted it and had the same mouth feel: extremely well-balanced and clean. I got very interested in why these wines taste so good so first time I read the label which stated it was an organic and biodynamic wine. This made me search for wines made from the same sustainably grown grapes in other wine regions,
Hungary makes wines from both international and native grapes, but organic or biodynamic production is still in its early days. I found these unique wineries with exceptional wines in all the regions and I also added places to visit and hotels to stay in the area.
Let’s start with the wine region of Szekszard, the home of the spicy Bull’s Blood which is a blend of five grapes including international and local varieties. Heimann Family Estate boasts many awards over the last decade while growing grape varieties such as Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Kekfrankos (Blaufrankisch) and Kadarka (native to Szekszard) without any chemicals taking responsibility for the environment and protect biodiversity. Their wines are available for tasting in their wine cellar on their estate by appointment only. Their private wine tour can include some food options and personal service from the winemaker. Best place to stay for the night and have a delicious local home made meal is the Bodri Estate, a complex with vineyard, cellar, restaurant and rustic guesthouses just outskirt of Szekszard town.
There is another biodynamic vineyard in Szekszard region, the Bajnoczy Cellar, which uses sustainable gardening methods growing Kekfrankos and Cabernet Franc. They have another parcel of Italian Riesling and Sylvaner in the Badacsony wine region – both vineyards are small but produces high quality wines. They have an award winning Italian Riesling or Petit Reisling called the “Szemenszedett Olaszrizling” 2015 with intensive aromas and a hint of elderflower and starfruit notes. Badacsony is one of the best white grape regions of Hungary located on the north of the volcanic hills of Lake Balaton. Bencze Vineyards and Guesthouse aim to create a family agritourism product by offering eco-friendly wines that kept the “terroir” and use the oldest variety of native Hungarian grapes. They grow the two grape varieties of Tokaji, the Furmint and the Harslevelu, also Keknyelu, Riesling, Italian Riesling and Chenin Blanc. The various types of guesthouses offer beautiful rural buildings representing the real Hungarian countryside.
On the way to the world famous wine region of Tokaj it is worth stopping by in Eger, a small wine town which winemaking traditions goes back to centuries. Vincze Estate produces exceptional wines by biodynamic practices growing Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Kekfrankos, Merlot and Pinot Noir grapes. Their wines are similar to the French wines from Bordeaux – full-bodied, big on tannins and dense. Do not forget to visit the Shiraz Hotel if you feel you want a little Moroccan style pampering, or if you like simple and modern stay in Imola Hotel Platan.
Before getting into the Szekszard wine region there is another famous place to mention on the Hungarian wine map: Villany. The best Cabernet Franc wine maker is located here, the Malatinszky Estate, which supplies wine to the Royal Family of Great Britain. They produce only organically grown grapes, which carry the full flavor of the Villany-Siklos terroir. If you want to spend the night in a beautiful hotel choose Crocus Gere Wine Hotel in the center of the Villany wine region. They have a wide array of activities and packages with spa and bath facilities.
Least but not last I have t o mention Tokaj, the world famous wine region where the sweet Tokaji Aszu is made. Pendits Vineyards is located in Abaujszanto in the Tokaj region and was already mentioned as a first Cru classified place. Since then it become a part of the UNESCO Heritage list. Their organic wines, made by biodynamic practices, carry the unique, special character of the region. Their Aszu Esszencia – the second highest quality level among Tokaji wines – won a gold medal in a Hungarian organic wine competition. Best places to stay a night or actually a couple of days is Andrassy Rezidencia Wine and Spa, the very rustic Myrtus Guesthouse or the Grof Degenfeld Castle Hotel.
P.S. – Want to go on a custom designed eco-friendly and sustainable tour anywhere in the world? I’m happy to book your full or partial trip! I’ll be offering you to my favorite hotels or resorts, restaurants, attractions, bars, and natural wonders you won’t find in any guidebook. If you’re interested, subscribe to my newsletter for updates or contact me now.
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