The Danube River, which runs through central and eastern Europe, is one of the best places to discover delicious wines for less. There are undiscovered gems here from Germany and Austria, through Hungary, Slovakia and Bulgaria from a whole wealth of different grape varieties.
We've selected ten wines from ten different countries the Danube River passes through. Give them a try!
Oliver Zeter is doing something different in Pfalz. His Sauvignon is gently oaked, delivering a wine that's bursting with passion fruit, citrus and stone fruits. Superb with Inglewhite Goat's Cheese.
Pictured: Oliver Zeter, winemaker
Zweigelt, indigenous to Austria, is similar to Gamay (Beaujolais). Medium bodied, sunshine-happy red wine with intense notes of red cherry, plum, liquorice and violets. It's best served with BBQ hot dogs or Coq au Vin.
From Egon Muller, one of the world's best living winemakers, this Slovak Riesling is guaranteed to deliver. Crisp, fresh and full of guava, lemon and mineral notes. Enjoy with flaky cod and buttery new potatoes.
Pictured: The legendary winemaker, Egon Muller
This rare, single-sex vine variety from Lake Balaton is a must-try. The grapes are hand-harvested from the slopes of the Csobanc Mountain. Floral, flinty and buzzing with character. Try with vegetable risottos.
From the family Kozlovic vineyard in Istria, Teran is a Slovenian variety with a ripe, red fruits character. The vines on Kozlovic's estate are older than 30 years, giving richness and a hint of cocoa. The perfect partner to pizza.
Exclusive. Mature vintage red wine with a deep, inky colour and rich taste. The DiBonis is California-esque in style; a big bold wine delivering forest fruits, spice, coconut and vanilla. Best enjoyed with braised beef short ribs.
Pictured: Vines along the Danube River
Pronounced floral nose of lychee, honeysuckle and orange citrus. This wine is juicy, exotic and offers something different to your every day tipple. Drink with pan-friend scallops for pure heaven.
Taste Terra Tangra Tamianka Muskat
This variety is a bit of a mouthfull to say but it's one brilliant wine to drink. Gold medal winning at Decanter, it has aromas and flavours of pineapple, fleshy orchard fruit and elderflower. Fuller bodied, it's great with salmon.
Taste Budureasca Tamaioasa Romaneasca
Limited edition wine blending the Feteasca Neagra and Rara Neagra varieties from each side of the Prut river in Moldova. Vivid flavours of mulberries, raisins and vanilla. Delightful with Italian meatballs.
Taste Chateau Purcari Maluri de Prut
Pictured: Chateau Purcari's picturesque winery
New! Unbelievably good Cabernet for this price. Matured in French oak, this red wine is full bodied, layered with brooding black fruits and a silky smooth tannin. The finish is long and satisfying. Try with steak.
Leave a comment