Bikavér Párbaj (’Bull’s Blood Duel’) is an event to taste along the Bikavér wines of the two wine regions: Eger and Szekszárd. The annual grand tasting showcases wines from around 20-20 wineries from both regions allowed to produce the famous blend of Hungary. The event takes place in the glamorous, 5 star Hotel Corinthia Budapest on 22 February. For trade members a tutored tasting of 8 new vintage (2016) Bikavér wines will be conducted by Dr. Gabriella Mészáros. Some of the exhibiting wineries: Eszterbauer (Szekszárd), Kovács Nimród Winery (Eger), Vesztergombi (Szekszárd), Tóth Ferenc Winery (Eger), Thummerer Winery (Eger). Vilmos Thummerer, who won the prestigious Winemaker of the Year title in 1995 and has been making outstanding quality Bikavér wines ever since. His 2012 Grand Superior Bikavér has been selected the best red wine according to the Circle of Hungarian Winewriters in 2018. His 2013 Superior Bikavér is made of 40% Kékfrankos, 20% Merlot, 15% Cabernet sauvignon, 15% Cabernet franc, 10% Syrah. The wines were aged separately in barrels as varietal wines for six months, then the blend was aged for another 12 months, which was followed by long bottle aging. A fully ripened, developed great wine with stunning character and soft tannins. The wine won gold medal at VinAgora international competition.

Tickets for the tasting cost 6000 HUF (20 euros) and available at the organizer’s website
(click on ‘Jövök’ = ‘I will particpate’ to buy tickets).