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Hungary
For centuries, Hungary has been the star of eastern Europe with the most advanced wine culture in all respects from its range of distinctive native grapes to terroir, wine laws and customs. It was very much 'the France of the east'.
In the 1980s and 90s, international varieties began to appear - along with more modern winemaking techniques. Since the dawn of the Millennium however there has been a resurgence of national pride and some of Hungary's finest traditional wines are at last reaching a wide international audience.
The most dramatic re-appearance has been that of Tokaji, the first wine to be knowingly made from 'nobly rotten' grapes. Tokaji has been a legend among sweet wines for more than 400 years and was much prized by royalty from the Tsars of Russia to the Kings of France.
The majority of Hungary's table wines are white. Alongside excellent local varieties such as the strong, refreshing Furmint, Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc are finding a growing legion of followers in the UK. Hungary's red varieties are fewer and farther between but look out for Pinot Noir - the finest examples offer excellent value for money.
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