Results of the largest Hungarian wine competition announced

231 wineries entered 824 wines and altogether 248 medals were given. The National Council of the Wine Communities Hungary (NCWCH) organized the most traditional producer wine tasting for the 41st time. As they say in their official brochure, “The 2022 National Wine Competition is also a preparation for a major interprofessional undertaking. An interprofessional wine marketing activity is planned to be launched in 2023, with the National Wine Competition as the basis for a quality Selection system.“ Let us intruduce 5 gold medal winner wines.

To see the full brochure with all the medal winners click here:

National Wine Contest catalogue 2022, Hungary

Paulus Gold Olaszrizling 2021, Mór (92 points)

Mór belongs to the lesser known wine regions of Hungary, and Paulus Wine House works a lot to change the reputation of Mór, our second smallest wine region. Paulus Gold Olasztrizling is not only a gold winner, but also the Best White Wine of the whole contest. Probably the name is the destiny – Paulus Gold wines are doomed to success. Olaszrizling is the most widely planted quality grape of Hungary, an extremely versatile variety. Paulus Olaszrizling was kept on the lees for a while, and the result is “A robust, large-bodied, intensely fruity wine both on the nose and the palate. Ripe acidity in perfect harmony with the body. A fiery, yet slightly soft wine.” And it costs only 1590 HUF!

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Patricius 6 puttonyos Tokaji Aszú 2017, Tokaj (92 points)

Wherever Patricius Winery sends its 6 puttonyos Tokaji Aszú, the wine fascinates the judged. The 2018 vintage of this wine received even higher scores (94 points) at the ultra scrict Decanter World Wine Award earlier this year (“Youthful, pure lemon nose. The palate opens into luscious ginger-tinged orange marmalade and brown sugar.”). 2017 vintage is not available at Patricius Webshop yet, however, it is worth visiting the estate anyway. A picnic in the vineyard with artisan delicacies and Patricius Brut bottle fermented sparkling wine – unforgettable.
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Sauska Cuvée 7 Siklós 2018, Villány (89.7 points)

Sauska is undeniably one of the most well known estates of Hungary abroad. Sauska wines are available in many countries including the United States and the United Kingdom. Cuvée 7 Siklós is a Bordeaux blend with Merlot playing the most important role. The Merlot came from Maklár, a highly elevated vineyard: Soil with solid limestone, marl, dolomite, loess clay in the upper layer of humus carbonate, sand spots, high calcium content. Calcium-rich loess gives higher acidity, lively, fruit-forward, and lean wines. “Ruby red with viola hues. Wildflowers and freshly baked brioche on the nose, followed by watery spring cherries, tobacco and Mediterranean green herbs on the palate. Clean and mineral in the mouth, with silky tannins. Light, yet meaningful, attractive, harmonious wine.“

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Vesztergombi Alpha 2017, Szekszárd (88.7 points)

Our faithful readers could read a lot about this wine, because we were virtually there from the very beginning. Vintage 2017 is exceptional for Vesztergombi Cellar with countles acknowledgment, thus Csaba decided to create the non-plus-ultra wine of the winery. Our readers could give suggestions to name the new icon wine, and in fact a Polish reader of ours, Michał B. Paradowski became the godfather of the wine. This gold medal is not the first and surely not the last for Alpha – for example it was the second Best Red Wine at Winelovers Wine Awards earlier this year. The Bordeaux blend received very hight poits at DWWA as well (91 points): “Complex cigar box and cassis aromas with some floral notes. Well evolved and not jammy, with firm tannins.“ Csaba 2017, another Bordeaux blend of the cellar has also received gold medal!

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Etyeki Kúria Pinot Noir 2018, Etyek–Buda (88.3 points)

The cooler climate Etyek is ideal for Pinot Noir, as Etyeki Kúria, one of the best producers of the grape variety has proved it several times. No wonder: the estate has had a special relationship with the variety ever since the first plantation in 2001. This Pinot is a perfect representative of the grape, magnificent, ultimately fruity, layered, exctiting. The webshop offers the 2019 vintage, therefore to taste the winner 2018 you should contact the winery or visit the estate. Etyeki Kúria is located in Etyek, very close to the capital of Hungary, and recently a new bike road has been opened. The 23 km route is hard but spectacular and the reward is legal wine tasting at your destination not risking your driving licence.

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