Your Guide to the Wines of Hungary - This Month's Novel Wines Explorer's Club

Welcome to this month's Novel Wines Explorer's Club, the UK's most exciting wine subscription for the curious drinker. Each month, we will introduce you to a new wine region as part of our promise to deliver no two wines the same for a whole year. Not a member yet? Subscribe here.

Looking for an older guide? See all the Explorer's Club guides here.

What's in this month's Explorer's Club?

This month, we’re taking you to the heart of Central Europe to explore one of the continent’s most storied and exciting wine regions: Hungary. Known for its rich winemaking heritage that stretches back over a thousand years, Hungary offers a fascinating mix of tradition, innovation, and a treasure trove of unique grape varieties.

Hungary is perhaps best known for its legendary sweet Tokaji Aszú, often called the "Wine of Kings," but there’s so much more to discover. From crisp whites like Furmint and Hárslevelű to elegant, spicy reds made from Kékfrankos (Blaufränkisch) and Kadarka, Hungary’s wines are as diverse as the country’s landscapes, from the volcanic soils of Tokaj to the rolling plains of the Great Hungarian Plain.

In this month’s Explorer case, we’ve curated a selection that showcases the depth and character of Hungarian wines. From indigenous grape varieties with ancient roots to modern expressions that push boundaries, these wines tell the story of a vibrant and evolving wine culture.

So, get ready to uncover the magic of Hungary’s vineyards, where history and innovation come together in every bottle. As always, we’re here to answer any questions you have and help you enjoy the journey through this remarkable wine region. Cheers to exploring the wines of Hungary!

This is a standout expression from Hungary’s renowned Tokaj wine region, known for its exceptional terroir and centuries-old winemaking heritage. Family-run since its inception, Erzsébet Pince is celebrated for thier dedication to traditional methods and producing wines that reflect the purity and elegance of Tokaj’s vineyards.

This single-vineyard wine comes from the esteemed Zafír Dűlő site, where volcanic soils and meticulous viticulture come together to create wines of remarkable depth and character. The bouquet is captivating, with aromas of ripe apricot, honeycomb, and citrus zest, accented by a subtle floral note and hints of wet stone minerality. On the palate, it is is both vibrant and layered, delivering flavours of baked pear, quince, and a touch of almond, all balanced by a refreshing acidity and a lingering, mineral-driven finish.

This wine is a superb pairing for dishes like roasted poultry, creamy risottos, or soft cheeses, and it also shines as a contemplative glass on its own. This wine beautifully encapsulates the precision and artistry of Hungary’s dry Tokaji wines, offering a taste of one of the region’s finest vineyards in every sip.

The St. Donat Csopak Hegybor 2021 is a brilliant expression of Hungary’s Balaton wine region. The family-owned winery celebrated for its commitment to sustainable viticulture and authentic, terroir-driven wines are located on the northern shore of Lake Balaton. St. Donat specializes in showcasing the unique minerality of the volcanic and marl-rich soils of the Csopak appellation.

This wine, made from the Olaszrizling grape (Welschriesling), embodies the essence of the region. It greets you with aromas of green apple, lemon zest, and white flowers, underpinned by a signature saline minerality. On the palate, it is crisp and vibrant, with flavours of citrus, almond, and a subtle herbal note, balanced by lively acidity and a clean, mineral-laden finish.

This versatile wine pairs beautifully with seafood dishes, light pastas, or fresh goat cheese, and it’s also an ideal companion for warm, sunny afternoons. This really is a superb introduction to the elegance and precision of Csopak’s wines, offering a pure and unadulterated taste of Hungary’s iconic Lake Balaton region.

The St. Donat Heavy Rosé 2020 is a bold and distinctive rosé from Hungary’s renowned Balaton wine region. Another gem produced by the esteemed St. Donat Estate, a leader in sustainable winemaking, this rosé is crafted to reflect the volcanic soils and lakeside climate of the northern shore of Lake Balaton. Known for their focus on terroir and innovation, they have created a rosé that pushes boundaries while staying true to its roots.

Made primarily from Kékfrankos (Blaufränkisch) and Syrah, the wine boasts a striking deep pink hue that hints at its intensity. Aromas of ripe strawberries, red currants, and a touch of grapefruit leap from the glass, accompanied by subtle notes of spice and wet stone. On the palate, it is fuller bodied and textured, offering juicy red berry flavours alongside hints of blood orange, pepper, and a refreshing saline minerality.

This robust rosé pairs beautifully with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or even spicy dishes, making it as versatile at the dinner table as it is enjoyable on its own. The St. Donat Heavy Rosé redefines the potential of rosé wines, offering a richer, more complex expression that will appeal to those seeking something beyond the ordinary.

The Heumann Blue Secret Blend 2018 is one of our all time favourite blends, an intriguing and expertly crafted wine from Villány, Hungary’s premier region for bold and characterful reds. Produced by the boutique Heumann Winery, this blend is a testament to the estate’s philosophy of combining tradition with precision to create wines of exceptional quality. Founded by German-Swiss couple Evelyne and Erhard Heumann, the winery is celebrated for its meticulous vineyard practices and dedication to showcasing the potential of Villány’s unique terroir.

This 2018 vintage is a carefully balanced blend of Kékfrankos (Blaufränkisch), Cabernet Franc, and Merlot, resulting in a wine of remarkable depth and complexity. The nose reveals a captivating bouquet of blackberries, plums, and dark cherries, layered with hints of cocoa, tobacco, and a touch of spice. On the palate, it is rich and velvety, offering concentrated dark fruit flavours, fine-grained tannins, and a long, elegant finish with a whisper of minerality that reflects the region’s limestone soils.

This wine is an excellent pairing for hearty dishes such as slow-roasted lamb, beef stew, or rich mushroom-based recipes. Whether enjoyed now or cellared for further aging, the Blue Secret is a stellar representation of Villány’s ability to produce world-class red blends, offering both power and finesse in every sip.

The Sabar Estate Cabernet Franc 2019 is a refined and expressive red wine from Hungary’s picturesque Badacsony wine region. Known for its basalt-rich volcanic soils and stunning landscapes, Sabar Estate has built a reputation for crafting wines that reflect the unique terroir and microclimate of this exceptional area.

This 2019 vintage highlights the elegance of Cabernet Franc, a grape that thrives in Hungary’s diverse conditions. The wine greets you with aromas of ripe blackberries, red currants, and plums, intertwined with delicate notes of dried herbs, sweet spices, and a touch of smoky minerality. On the palate, it is medium-bodied yet vibrant, showcasing silky tannins, fresh acidity, and a harmonious balance of dark fruit flavours and savoury undertones. The long, nuanced finish leaves hints of black pepper and a whisper of cedar.

A versatile wine, it pairs beautifully with roasted duck, grilled vegetables, or even a classic beef steak, but it also shines as a contemplative glass on its own. Sabar’s Cabernet Franc is a wonderful introduction to Hungary’s growing reputation for producing world-class expressions of this noble variety.

The Markvart Bikavér "Bull’s Blood" 2018 is a bold and captivating red blend from the historic wine region of Eger, Hungary, home to the renowned Bikavér style. Literally translating to "Bull’s Blood," Bikavér is a blend deeply rooted in Hungarian winemaking tradition, embodying the strength and character of the region. Markvart Winery, with its dedication to crafting wines that honour Eger’s heritage, have created a stunning example of this iconic style.

This 2018 vintage is a harmonious blend of indigenous and international grape varieties, including Kékfrankos (Blaufränkisch), Kadarka, and Cabernet Sauvignon, among others. The wine exudes aromas of ripe cherries, blackberries, and plums, complemented by hints of warm spices, earthy tobacco, and a touch of vanilla from barrel aging. On the palate, it is full-bodied and well-structured, with velvety tannins, balanced acidity, and a long, satisfying finish marked by subtle notes of cocoa and black pepper.

Ideal for pairing with robust dishes such as goulash, grilled meats, or rich stews, this wine also has the depth to age gracefully for years to come. This really is is a striking testament to the regions winemaking heritage, offering a perfect blend of power, complexity, and elegance in every glass.