This part of the country has particularly attractive characteristics. It boasts a Mediterranean-like landscape as well as rich and diverse countryside with a wealth of historical background. Pécs's wealth of culture, gastronomy and hiking opportunities all in one place attracts many people. Wine is almost just an encore to these, its merits not yet realised by its visitors. The wines of Pécs are full-bodied and mellow with high alcohol and lush spiciness. The Mohács area of the wine district, near the Danube, also yields similar wines. The total production area of the Pécs wine district is 6,998 hectares, of which only 700 hectares is currently under vine.
SOIL
The wine district is characterised by red sandstone and dolomite limestone, which is overlain by loose sand, clay and limestone. The slopes of the Baranya Hills consist of loose sand and loess.
CLIMATE
The Pécs wine district is the warmest wine district in Hungary with a sub-Mediterranean climate and the longest growing season. Its climate is only comparable to that of the Villány Hills. Hot, sunny summers are usually followed by mild winters with rare frosts. The southern slopes are protected from the north winds by the Mecsek Range. The most sheltered places have microclimates where fig trees live and even bear fruit! It is a dry region with little water and precipitation.
GRAPE VARIETIES AND TYPICAL WINE STYLES
Recommended varieties are Chardonnay, Irsai Olivér, Cirfandli, Olaszrizling, Zöldveltelini and Sárgamuskotály, while the black varieties include Kékfrankos, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot.
The region's warm climate and low rainfall results in full-bodied wines, often high in sugar and alcohol. The relatively high sugar content is complemented by soft acidity, thus ensuring that wines are well-balanced. The wines often boast rich spiciness; however, as the wines often lack acidity, wines from the Mecsekalja age relatively quickly.
Nowadays, few people cultivate Cirfandli. The variety comes from Austria and is a multi-layered wine with characteristic aromas of wildflowers and spice. It is often produced in styles with high sugar content. However, it is considered to be a difficult variety to cultivate under current conditions and few want to work with it. Many people still remember these lush, spicy wines; however, there are very few vineyards left producing them.
Memorable wines from Pécs for the last decade and a half have been made almost exclusively from black grapes, with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir and Kékfrankos standing out the most. The area around Mohács was also more sought after for its reds, although it is still dominated by Olaszrizling in terms of quantity. Their ripeness is balanced by their crisp acidity.