Hungary

Hungary is home to one of the world's great historic wine regions, Tokaj, whose remarkable sweet wines have been prized for centuries. Volcanic soils, indigenous grape varieties and a unique climate, where misty autumn mornings encourage the development of noble rot, combine to produce wines of extraordinary concentration, complexity and longevity.

At the heart of Tokaj is Furmint, capable of producing everything from vibrant, mineral dry whites to the magnificent sweet wines for which the region is famous. Tokaji Aszú, made from individually selected, botrytised grapes, combines intense flavours of apricot, citrus, honey and spice with the vibrant acidity that gives the finest examples such remarkable balance and ageing potential. At the very pinnacle sits the extraordinarily rare Essencia, one of the richest and most concentrated wines produced anywhere in the world.

Further south, the warmer regions of Villány and Siklós reveal another side of Hungarian wine, producing structured, full-bodied reds from both indigenous and international varieties. Leading estates such as Gere Attila, particularly with its flagship Kopar cuvée, demonstrate the depth, richness and refinement these southern vineyards can achieve.

From mineral dry Furmint to complex, long-lived Tokaji Aszú and extraordinarily rare Essencia, Hungary produces some of Europe's most distinctive wines, combining centuries of tradition with a unique collection of grape varieties, vineyards and styles.