The largest international wine contest of Hungary

The annual international wine compatition called VinAgora, the „wine compass” of Central Europe was held this year in Eger. 545 wines were evaluated from 13 countries including Lebanon, Uruguay and Russia. The international jury consisted of 50 experts. 73 gold medals, 4 great gold medals and 6 champion awards were given to the best ones. Here you have a bunch of the the wines with top results. For the full list of results, check the official site of the competition.

• The best white wine

Lellei Irsai Olivér, Garamvári Winery, South Balaton, 2017

For the Champion award the jury retastes the 5 wines with the highest score on the last day of the competition, therefore it is a really precious prize. Aromatic Irsai Olivér grapes are always the first to harvest in the vineyard, the wine is made with reductive technology to capture the grapey, fresh flavors of the variety.

• The best red wine

Rébus Egri Cuvée Superior, Thummerer Winery, Eger, 2012

A “great wine” which was made for the first time in 2007. The name was invented by the owner and his wife, Rébus refers to “riddle”, because the wine itself is peculiar, makes you think. The fruit comes from a low yield vineyard, and the grapes were macerated for quite long (3-4 weeks). Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot, and was matured in large barrels and barrique for 27 months.

• The best Merlot

Merlot Selection, Gere Tamás and Zsolt Winery, Villány, 2012

An outstanding wine of the premium wine selection of the winery. A seriouswine for serious people. It is characterized by elegance and the richness of details with subtle ornaments. After traditional fermentation the wine was aged in Hungarian oak barrels 30 months. By the time it was released on the market at the end of 2017, it became a matured, well developed wine ready to be enjoyed.

• The best Furmint (two wines with the same score)

Kovács Nimród Winery Furmint 2015

This elegant Furmint comes from the best terroir in Eger, Nagy-Eged hill as a special gift from a very good year. It was fermented in steel tanks and barrels, and aged in 225 litre and 500 litre barrels on lees for 10 months. The nose is discrete and elegant. A complex wine showcasing pear and apricot flavors with limestone and flint overtones.

Megyer Furmint Selection 2015

Complex, rich Furmint with distinctive citrus flavours and dried tropical fruits (passion fruit, pineapple) with the barrel aging giving vanilla and coconut notes with a refined spiciness.

• The best Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir Rosé, Haraszthy Winery, Etyek–Buda, 2017

A sulfit free, reductive rosé. Besides the strawberry and raspberry notes, it is enhanced with a touch of cranberry while still keeping a vivid acidity. A perfect match with cold cuts and salami. This rosé reveals beautifully an umami and savory character. 

• The best sparkling wine

Brut Nature, Garamvári Vineyard, 2015

Brut nature is the most complex sparkling wine to manufacture: there is no dosage to make it more charming, the wine should be great in itself. The fruit for this wine was outstanding, so is the result. The blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Noir has a wonderful perlage. The nose is matured, fruity and spicy, the aftertaste shows a hint of almond.