Wines

You might know about Hungary’s famous Tokaji wine, but do you know the grape behind it? It’s Furmint, one of the many fascinating native varieties that make Hungary such an exciting wine region.

While Tokaji may steal the spotlight, Hungary also produces a multitude of aromatic dry whites, age-worthy whites, and distinctive reds. In fact, 70% of the country’s production is focused on white grapes like Furmint and Cserszegi Fűszeres, while reds like Kadarka and Kékfrankos showcase Hungary's expertise in crafting elegant and bold wines.

Here are six Hungarian grape varieties that embody the country’s rich winemaking tradition.


Furmint

Pronunciation “Foor-mint”

Intro

Furmint is the backbone of Hungary’s world-famous Tokaji wines and is Hungary’s third most planted grape variety. This versatile, high acid, white grape produces wines that range from bone dry and mineral-driven to lusciously sweet.


Kékfrankos

Pronunciation: “cake-frank-osh”

Intro

Kékfrankos, also known as Blaufränkisch in Austria, or Lemberger in Germany, is the most planted red grape variety in Hungary. It produces wines that are medium- to full-bodied with high acidity and firm tannins, making it a cornerstone of Hungarian red wines - particularly Bull’s Blood!


Kadarka

Pronunciation: “KAH-dahr-kah”

Intro

Kadarka is an ancient red grape variety with deep roots in Hungary, though its exact origin is unknown. Known for its light body and distinctive spiciness (a bit like Pinot Noir!), Kadarka was once the most widely planted grape in the country but has since become more of a niche variety.


Cserszegi Fűszeres

Pronunciation: “Chair-seggy Foo-seh-resh”

Intro

Cserszegi Fűszeres is an aromatic white grape variety with pink skins, developed in the 1960s by crossing Irsai Olivér (see below) with Gewürztraminer. It is celebrated for its unique, spicy aromatics and refreshing acidity. It is Hungary’s most planted white grape.


Olaszrizling

Pronunciation: “Oh-lahss reez-ling”

Intro

Olaszrizling means Italian Riesling, but this grape is neither Italian nor Riesling! Also known as Welschriesling in Austria and Germany, it is Hungary’s fourth most planted grape variety and is made in a wide range of styles.


Irsai Olivér

Pronunciation: “Ear-shy Oh-lee-vair”

Introduction

Irsai Olivér, Hungary’s fifth most planted variety, is a highly aromatic white grape developed in the early 20th century. Often enjoyed in its youth, it is beloved for its perfumed, floral characteristics and is very similar to Muscat.


Hungary Wine Facts

  • Kékfrankos is the most planted grape variety.
  • Cserszegi Fűszeres is the most planted white grape variety.
  • There are 144,000 vineyard acres (58,249 hectares) in Hungary.
  • Hungary is the 8th largest vineyard area in Europe.
  • There are more than 220 different varieties planted in Hungary.
  • 70% of Hungary’s grapes are white and 30% are red.
  • Hungary has many native grape varieties that are planted nowhere else in the world. Juhfark is one of many examples.

Explore the wines of Hungary directly from the producers.
Most Popular
39 Wines23 Wineries

Sweet

34 Wines24 Wineries

Furmint

20 Wines19 Wineries

Olaszrizling

20 Wines15 Wineries

Kékfrankos

15 Wines9 Wineries

Hárslevelű

13 Wines9 Wineries

White Blend

More Rare
12 Wines9 Wineries

Red Blend

11 Wines10 Wineries

Cabernet Franc

10 Wines9 Wineries

Kadarka

10 Wines7 Wineries

Merlot

10 Wines8 Wineries

Cabernet Sauvignon

9 Wines7 Wineries

Pinot Noir

9 Wines9 Wineries

Cserszegi Fűszeres

9 Wines9 Wineries

Chardonnay

8 Wines8 Wineries

Irsai Olivér

7 Wines5 Wineries

Ezerjó

7 Wines6 Wineries

Juhfark

6 Wines4 Wineries

Brut

6 Wines6 Wineries

Riesling

6 Wines3 Wineries

Furmint Blend

5 Wines3 Wineries

Kékfrankos Blend

5 Wines5 Wineries

Merlot Blend

5 Wines5 Wineries

Sauvignon Blanc

4 Wines3 Wineries

Cabernet Franc Blend

4 Wines4 Wineries

Brut Nature

4 Wines3 Wineries

Dry

4 Wines4 Wineries

Sárgamuskotály

4 Wines4 Wineries

Syrah

4 Wines4 Wineries

Zweigelt

4 Wines4 Wineries

Királyleányka

4 Wines4 Wineries

Pinot Gris

3 Wines3 Wineries

Kéknyelű

3 Wines2 Wineries

Portugieser

3 Wines3 Wineries

Sparkling

3 Wines3 Wineries

Extra Brut

3 Wines3 Wineries

Zenit

3 Wines2 Wineries

Muscat Ottonel

2 Wines2 Wineries

Cirfandli

2 Wines2 Wineries

Cabernet Sauvignon Blend

2 Wines2 Wineries

Gewürztraminer

1 Wines1 Wineries

Chardonnay-Furmint Blend

1 Wines1 Wineries

Szürkebarát

1 Wines1 Wineries

Budai Zöld

1 Wines1 Wineries

Csókaszőlő

1 Wines1 Wineries

Csomorika

1 Wines1 Wineries

Viognier

1 Wines1 Wineries

Irsai Olivér Blend

1 Wines1 Wineries

Hárslevelű Blend

1 Wines1 Wineries

Feteasca Neagra

1 Wines1 Wineries

Gruner Veltliner

1 Wines1 Wineries

Demi-Sec

1 Wines1 Wineries

Kabar

1 Wines1 Wineries

Leányka

1 Wines1 Wineries

Királyleányka Blend

1 Wines1 Wineries

Malbec

1 Wines1 Wineries

Extra Dry

1 Wines1 Wineries

Sangiovese

1 Wines1 Wineries

Sémillon

1 Wines1 Wineries

Szerémi Zöld

1 Wines1 Wineries

Sangiovese Grosso

1 Wines1 Wineries

Tempranillo

1 Wines1 Wineries

Tramini

1 Wines1 Wineries

Juhfark Blend