WineGuessrHungarian wines
Hungary is known for Tokaji Aszú, the botrytised sweet wine of the Tokaj region, made mainly from Furmint, and for Egri Bikavér (Bull's Blood), a red blend from Eger based on Kékfrankos. The country has 22 official wine regions, and Tokaj began classifying its vineyards in 1730.
WineGuessr features 4 wines from Hungary, in 4 regions.
Wine history
Hungary's wine history is closely tied to Tokaj. From 1730 the region classified its vineyards into three categories by soil, sun exposure and their tendency to develop noble rot, and a royal decree of 1757 created a closed production district. Tokaji Aszú was praised by Louis XIV as the wine of kings and king of wines, and was drunk at the courts of Franz Joseph and Peter the Great. Egri Bikavér takes its name from the legend of the 1552 Siege of Eger. Phylloxera arrived in 1882, and field blends gave way to single varieties. The Communist era favoured quantity, but since 1989 producers have reinvested in quality and terroir.
Wine regions and appellations
Hungary has 22 official wine regions, grouped into larger zones such as Balaton, Duna, Eger, Észak-Dunántúl, Pannon, Sopron and Tokaj, and protected names use the EU PDO system. Tokaj, in the north-east near the Carpathians, has volcanic soils and long autumns that favour noble rot, and the region extends slightly into Slovakia. Eger, also in the north, makes Egri Bikavér and has a name for Pinot Noir. In the south, Villány is known for full-bodied reds from Blauer Portugieser, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Somló, a small volcanic hill, makes full, high-acid whites from Olaszrizling, Hárslevelű and Furmint, and six of the 22 regions lie in the Balaton area.
Grapes and what to drink
Furmint makes up about 60% of Tokaji production and Hárslevelű about 30%, with Yellow Muscat (Muscat, Sárgamuskotály in Hungarian), Zéta, Kövérszőlő and Kabar also allowed. Aszú is made by adding botrytised berries, traditionally measured in puttonyos (baskets), to a base wine or must, and Eszencia is among the sweetest wines in the world, with 500 to 900 g of sugar per litre and only about 5 to 6% alcohol. Dry Furmint is a growing modern style. Kékfrankos (Blaufränkisch) is the base of Egri Bikavér, Kadarka is a traditional red, and Villány is the place for Cabernet Franc and Merlot.
Wine regions of Hungary
Grapes of Hungary
Eger: 1 wine
Somló: 1 wine
Tokaj: 1 wine
Villány: 1 wine
Wine in Hungary: questions and answers
What is Tokaji Aszú?
Tokaji Aszú is a sweet white wine from Hungary's Tokaj region, made with grapes shrivelled by noble rot. It is made mainly from Furmint and Hárslevelű, and its sweetness was traditionally measured in puttonyos.
What grape is used for Tokaji?
Furmint is the main Tokaji grape, at about 60% of production, followed by Hárslevelű at about 30%. Yellow Muscat, Zéta, Kövérszőlő and Kabar are also permitted.
What is Bull's Blood wine?
Bull's Blood (Egri Bikavér) is a red blend from Eger in northern Hungary, mainly based on Kékfrankos. Its name is linked to a legend from the 1552 Siege of Eger.
How many wine regions does Hungary have?
Hungary has 22 official wine regions, including Tokaj, Eger, Villány, Somló and six regions around Lake Balaton.
Why is Tokaj called the wine of kings?
Louis XIV of France is said to have called Tokaji the wine of kings and the king of wines (Vinum Regum, Rex Vinorum). It was also favoured by Peter the Great and Franz Joseph.
Wines from other countries
Sources: en.wikipedia.org, en.wikipedia.org
Last reviewed October 2026.