A Rigorous Selection Process

The MBK competition is unique in its approach. Rather than an open entry system, the process begins with wine writers nominating bottles they believe represent the highest international standards. To qualify, wines must be no more than five years old with a sugar content below 12 g/l.

Through several rounds of voting, the field is narrowed down to the "Super 12"—the best 12 white and 12 red wines of the year. The final Grand Prix winners are then selected via a blind tasting.

Regional Highlights

While Hungary’s 22 wine districts are spread across six major regions, the Balaton area dominated this year’s list with ten entries. The Pannon region (including Villány and Szekszárd) followed with six, while Northern Hungary (Eger, Mátra, and Bükk) secured five spots.

A notable mention goes to Gábor Kiss from Villány; his 2022 "Enigma" was so highly regarded that it was included in the Super 12 list by acclaim, though it was not entered into the final sensory evaluation out of respect for the producer, bringing this year's red wine shortlist to 13 items.

Special Recognition

The Dr. József Kosárka Memorial Award, named after the late founder of the MBK, was awarded to the Vesztergombi Winery from Szekszárd. This prize recognizes the winery that received the highest number of total nominations from the writers across all categories.

Join the Celebration

The awards will be presented by MBK President Edit Szabó at the Nagy Fehérvári Wine Festival on January 10 at the Mercure Hotel Magyar Király in Székesfehérvár.

For those interested in meeting the producers, Bálint Földi and Barna Barabás (Zelna Winery) will be hosting a joint master class during the festival.
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