🇭🇺 Hungarian Wine
More Than Just Tokaj!
When you think of Hungarian wine, Tokaj is likely the first that comes to mind. But do you know what other kinds of wine are produced in Hungary? Maybe you've heard the names but never had the chance to try them.
On this page, we'll introduce the characteristics of Hungarian wine and how to pair it with food.
Where is Hungary?
Hungary is a landlocked country surrounded by seven nations. It borders Slovakia to the north, Ukraine to the northeast, Romania to the east, Serbia, and Croatia to the south, Slovenia to the southwest, and Austria to the west.
The country's terrain consists mostly of rolling hills, and in the west lies Lake Balaton, one of Europe's largest lakes. Hungary is also famous for its thermal springs, and public baths have thrived here for centuries. The Danube River runs through the center of the country, and the capital city, Budapest—known as the "Pearl of the Danube"—is renowned for its beautiful architecture.
Hungary boasts six UNESCO World Heritage sites, one of which is the historic and cultural landscape of the Tokaj wine region.
Hungary's Climate
Hungary has a continental climate, with four distinct seasons and a large temperature difference between summer and winter. The annual temperature variation is around 20–25°C throughout the year.
Hungarian Wine
While viticulture in Hungary dates back to ancient times, it was the Romans who introduced winemaking on a large scale. By the 10th century, the influence of Christianity had grown, and winemaking developed alongside the church.
Although Tokaji and its Furmint grapes are the most famous, Hungary also produces many other notable white and red wines. White wines include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and many indigenous varieties. Red wines feature grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Zweigelt, Cabernet Franc, Kadarka, and Kékfrankos (Blaufränkisch).
In Hungary, about 70% of the vineyards are planted with white grape varieties, while 30% are devoted to red varieties.
Hungarian Wine and Food Pairings
Hungarian cuisine has roots in Asian nomadic cultures, with influences from Slavic and Germanic traditions. Hungary is the world's largest producer of foie gras, and Mangalica pork—known as a national treasure—is also famous. Hungarian wine pairs well with a wide range of dishes, from pasta and soups to stews, fish, and meat dishes.
Hungarian wines are known for their fruity flavors, making them ideal for pairing with appetizers, fish, and chicken dishes. While Hungary produces some sweet wines, dry wines with rich minerality and crisp acidity are becoming more popular, particularly for pairing with Japanese cuisine, where they enhance the flavors of the dishes.
A popular way to enjoy white or rosé wines in Hungary is to mix them with sparkling water to make a spritzer. This is a refreshing option for those who prefer lighter drinks or can't consume large amounts of alcohol.
Hungarian Wines in Japan
Explore our selection of Hungarian wines, available for delivery in Japan. Use the [Filters] and [Sort] functions to refine your search. Daniel's Wine Club members enjoy exclusive discounts. If you haven't joined yet, we invite you to do so here.
