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When I was invited along to Brody Studios for another cultural extravaganza to see, hear and taste the delights of Hungarian wine last week, the author took us on a journey around Hungarian wine country via 10 (plus one) distinctive and appealing wines. This was a trip you simply did not want to end.

This new book, “Hungarian Wine: a Tasting Trip to the New Old World” written by Budapest resident and wine writer Robert Smyth, and published by Blue Guides, visits each of the country’s wine regions, meets the winemakers, tastes the wines and makes recommendations on what to try and where. It also picks out emerging talents to watch out for going forward.

Exciting local grape varieties like Olaszrizling, Furmint, Hárslevelű, Kadarka and Kékfrankos (which is also the main grape in Bikavér, a.k.a. Bull’s Blood) were the stars of the show and the grapes most like to tickle the fancy of international wine lovers and critics, opined the author.

The evening broadened the palate with some classy new vintages and shed light on the secrets of some of the tongue-twisting native grape varieties that are “increasingly in demand on world wine lists.” As the invitation for the event said: “Hungarian wine has never been so exciting.

More than ever before, wine tourism is taking off in the country, revealing a beguiling mix of tradition and innovation. With ancient, underground, rock-hewn cellars and wineries of cutting-edge design, Hungary offers much to experts and amateurs alike.”

The 10 wines, plus the classy Kreinbacher welcome (traditional method) sparkling wine, certainly excited the taste buds of all present.

Words and photos by Russell Skidmore for XpatLoop.com
After an extensive career in advertising - as an Art Director & Creative Director in London, Paris and Budapest for leading agencies - Russel transferred the skills and knowledge gained to the development of his own successful company covering wedding, event, PR and portrait photography: www.russell-skidmore-photography.co.uk