Black Grape Varieties, Red Wine Styles

There are currently 45 black grape varieties authorised or temporarily authorised in Hungary, ranging from Alibernet to Zweigelt. Compared to the white varieties, there is much less variation in their ranking. Kékfrankos is the most common variety (also overall), with more than 12% of the country's vineyards planted with this Carpathian Basin variety, while the percentage of international, French varieties has increased in recent years. Proportionately, black grapes account for 30% of the vineyard area, with white grapes making up the remaining 70%, meaning that 19,670 hectares of black varieties are currently planted in Hungary. The proportions of black grapes are much more concentrated than those of white grapes, with the top ten most planted varieties accounting for 96% of all planted varieties. Both red and rosé wine is made from black varieties. These can be grouped according to origin (e.g. international or Carpathian Basin varieties) as well as style.

Blauburger
Blauburger

Blauburger

A crossing of Portugieser (Oportó) and Kékfrankos (Blaufränkisch) created by Dr Fritz Zweigelt in Klosterneuburg, Austria in 1923. Blau…

Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc

Cabernet Franc

It is an old black grape variety of French origin, which, according to some recent research concerning its origin, is related to varieties…

Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon

Originating from the Gironde in France, Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the best-known and most widespread grape varieties in the world. It is…

Egri Bikavér
Egri Bikavér

Egri Bikavér

There are many legends and stories surrounding Egri Bikavér. One of the best known is certainly connected to the besiegement of the castle…

Kadarka
Kadarka

Kadarka

Although not a Carpathian Basin variety in terms of origin, it has now become so important in Hungary that we can say it's our other black…

Kékfrankos
Kékfrankos

Kékfrankos

A true Central European variety whose origin is not entirely clear, despite boasting a wealth of exciting stories and legends. According to…

Menoire
Menoire

Menoire

The better-known – but no longer official – name of the variety is Medoc or Kékmedoc, while old records even mention it as Cot. This leads…

Merlot
Merlot

Merlot

Wherever Cabernet Sauvignon is found, Merlot is never far away. And it's no wonder, as their father is one and the same. In Merlot's case…

Nero
Nero

Nero

The origins of the variety are connected with the names of József Csizmazia and László Bereznai, who crossed Seyve Villard 12375 sel with…

Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir

It is certainly an ancient variety, whose origin is a source of much speculation; however, most sources link its origin to France and more…

Portugieser
Portugieser

Portugieser

It was previously known as Kékoportó or Oportó. There are two theories as to its origin. One states that it originated in the German…

Redy

This is a type of wine from Villány, created on the initiative of the community. It aims to be light, fresh and laid back. Its name was…

Syrah
Syrah

Syrah

An extremely trendy black grape, a complex, high-quality red wine variety, which is shrouded in many stories and legends. Somewhat…

Szekszárdi Bikavér
Szekszárdi Bikavér

Szekszárdi Bikavér

Szekszárd has an extremely rich history of grape and wine culture. Many prominent people, such as Franz Liszt, were admirers of its wines…

Turán
Turán

Turán

A Hungarian variety, which is connected to the names of Dr József Darab Csizmazia and László Berznai. It is a crossing of Bikavér…

Villányi Franc
Villányi Franc

Villányi Franc

The wine district of Villány and the variety of Cabernet Franc have become entwined as a concept, not only in Hungary but also…

Zweigelt
Zweigelt

Zweigelt

Fritz Zweigelt, the breeder and namesake of the variety, created it in 1922 by crossing Kékfrankos and Sankt Laurent in Klosterneuburg…