End of February: Eger-Szekszárd Bull’s Blood Duel

Different characters of Bikavér (Bull’s Blood) cuvée wines made in Eger and Szekszárd, are originated in the terroir, since Eger belongs rather to the northern types of wine regions, while Szekszárd to the southern types. Their common feature is, however, that red cuvée wines of both wine regions are based on Kékfrankos variety. Winelovers have now the great opportunity to check its effect on the Bikavér wines at Eger-Szekszárd Bikavér Párbaj (Eger-Szekszárd Bull’s Blood Duel) wine tasting event organised in Budapest.

It is not exclusively the winemakers’ decision which varieties they blend in their Bikavér wines, they have to take into account the regulation in force of the given wine region as well. Provisions of both wine regions, Eger and Szekszárd, are agreed on the fact that Bikavér wines should be based on Kékfrankos variety. Gabriella Mészáros, wine teacher and expert clarified the importance of this prescription: “The best way of showing the uniqueness of the terroir is taking such grape varieties, which are individualities in themselves, but they allow to prevail the surrounding climate, soil, i.e. the natural environment as well. Kékfrankos with its round acidity, fruitiness and great structure, is just a perfect variety for this purpose. Of course, we need the adequate expertise as well in order to make an excellent wine – it goes beyond the variety itself.”