Béres Tokaji Aszú 6 puttonyos 2017

The great success of this wine from Decanter World Wine Award is still hot: Béres has won one of the 8 Hungarian Platinum awards with 97 points! And now another great acknowledgment has been gained: Béres Tokaji Aszú 6 puttonyos 2017 received grand gold and has been selected the Best Foreign Wine at the 30th Catad’Or international wine contest of Chile.

“Gloriously rich”

Decanter review of the wine:
“A splurge of confit citrus unlocks kumquat, saffron and curry leaf aromas in tandem. Gloriously rich and rounded with a feverish acidity piercing the decadent sweetness and parading showstopping freshness towards the irresistibly long finish.”
See full Decanter fact sheet here

Fun fact: the same wine won DWWA Platinum last year as well. It is a wine worth stocking, isn’t it?

How was it made?

“Individually handpicked and selected Hárslevelű and Furmint aszú grapes were soaked in clean, fermenting 100% Furmint base wine overnight. The aim of soaking is to enrich the material to be pressed with the alcohol and carbon dioxide produced during the onset of fermentation. This Aszú was aged for 36 months in Szerednye-type, Zemplén oak barrels, then bottled.” This aszú has a massive 171.1 g/L residual sugar, however, it is brilliantly balanced by the 11.1 g/L acidity.
More about this wine

The laziest – and lavishest – food pairing: enjoy by itself

Noble sweet wines have a serious enemy: the diet. And indeed, it contains a significant amount of calories, especially if you pair it with a dessert. The solution is to REPLACE the dessert by Tokaji Aszú, and enjoy it slowly, because you deserve it.

Vince magazine top red

Vince Hungarian wine magazine publishes the best new releases every month, and in the latest issue the best wine is red Kékfrankos based blend by Steigler Cellar from Sopron wine region. The estate is the master of Kékfrankos wines, as the recent Best of Kékfrankos title proves as well.

Steigler Fusion Cuvée Bio 2023, Sopron

Vince score: 16.90 points (out of 20)
The blend aims a “harmonious fusion”: Kékfrankos gives the acidity, Cabernet Franc gives the spices while Merlot complements the velvety structure. All the grapes come from organic vineyards mainly of mica schist soil.
Vince panel review of the wine: “Dark ruby colour. Very intense and picante nose full of spices, red fruits and some exciting vegetal notes. All these notes are nicely complemented on the palate by the oaky tunes. Medium body and refreshing, vibrant acidity that lifts up the palate and enhances fruitiness. Juicy, lovely sour cherry flavours, yummy!”
The wine costs only 3900 HUF / 10.76 EUR on the webshop of the winery!

 

More about Steigler Cellar

Our recent article about Steigler’s Best of Kékfrankos by Winelovers Wine Award

Best Kékfrankos: Steigler Spern Steiner 2022

 Read our earlier article about the unique “Steigler attitude”

“What we do is controlled idleness”

 

It must have been valid…

If you don’t trust a wine competition, it is understandable, but when a wine is proved to be true by 4 international jury, then there is no question left. Patricius Tokaji Aszú 2021 is indeed liquid gold, covered with gold medals.

The 4 international contests:

– Challenge International du Vin, France
– Volcanic Wine Awards, Canada,
– International Wine Challenge, UK
– Decanter World Wine Awards, UK
Plus, it has a gold medal from the 17th Hungarian Academy of Sciences wine contest in Hungary, as we wrote earlier.

“Impeccable depth”

The most recent one is the Decanter World Wine Award, where Patricius Tokaji Aszú 2021 received 95 points and the following review:
“Swaddled in orange marmalade, honeyed pear, apple compote, saffron and caramelised stone fruit lure, offering impeccable depth, concentration and length. Lingering acidity braces and freshens.”
See full Decanter page about the wine

Available in the UK, in the US and many other countries
More information

The best place to taste: picnic at Patricius

Picnic & guided vineyard tour by Patricius

233 wineries entered 995 wines from all the 22 wine regions at the 45th Hungarian National Wine Contest organised by the National Council of Wine Communities. 10 grand gold, 215 gold and 78 silver medals were given along with 18 special awards.

To make it clear: 3 major wine contests are organised in Hungary, two international ones, VinAgora and Winelovers Wine Awards, and one national one: the Hungarian National Wine Contest.

Some more figures

– More than 80 jury members tasted the wines
– The majority, 605 of the entered wines were white
– 100 rose wines were nominated along with 2 siller wines
– 104 aerated sparkling wines entered
– The award ceremony took place on 29 June

The two most successful wineries:

– Gál Winery, Kunság wine region
– Günzer Tamás Winery, Villány wine region

In the cover photo from left to right: the special awards

– Best white wine: Firmánszky, Sátor Furmint, 2024, Tokaj
– Best rose wine: Babiczki, Mátrai Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé, 2025, Mátra
– Best red wine: Günzer Tamás, Bocor Grandior Merlot, 2023, Villány
– Best sparkling wine: Szentpéteri, Kadarka Blanc de Noir, 2023, Kunság
– Best aerated sparkling wine: Gál Winery, Anna Rosa, 2025 – Kunság
– Best sweet wine: Simkó, Tokaji Aszú 6 Puttonyos, 2019, Tokaj
– Best organic wine: Zelna, Balatoni Olaszrizling „Balatonbor”, 2025, Balatonfüred–Csopak
– Best aromatic white wine: Palik, Irsai Olivér, 2025, Mátra
– Best Kékfrankos: Riczu Tamás, Villányi Kékfrankos, 2022, Villány
– New talent winery: N3 Borműhely, Neszmély
– Young winemaker to watch: Martin Koronczai, Koronczai Winery, Balatonfüred–Csopak

Favourites of the consumers – photo below

– Olaszrizling category: Gedeon, Olaszrizling, 2025, Kunság
– Irsai Olivér category: Günzer Tamás, Irsai Olivér, 2025, Villány
– Rose category: Hilltop Neszmély, Pinot Noir Rozé, NV, Neszmély
– Sparkling category: Garamvári, Classic Brut, NV, Balatonboglár
– Kékfrankos based wines: Thummerer, Egri Bikavér Classicus, 2022, Eger
SEE ALL THE RESULTS HERE (THE SEARCH FIELD IS IN HUNGARIAN)

Winelovers Wine Awards results are out!

“Is there another Kékfrankos freak, like me?” – commented Tamás Varga, the winemaker of Steigler Cellar when learning the news. Indeed, he makes 9 (!) different Kékfrankos wines. As for Winelovers Wine Awards, the 5th edition broke another record: 1,161 entries were received from 15 countries! With this number of entries Winelovers Wine Awards have become the largest international wine contest held in Hungary, again.

Some more figures:
– 57 jury members from 19 countries
– 201 gold medals, only 6 grand gold medals (this latter one from 95 points)
– The most white entries: Furmint (56 entries), the second most: Olaszrizling (43 entries)
– The most red entries: Kékfrankos (47 entries)
– The country with the highest average scores: Austria
See all Best of wines below

9 lives of a grape

Steigler Cellar is located in Sopron, in the “capital of Kékfrankos”, and they take their destiny seriously. The range consists of a Classic Kékfrankos, three single vineyard wines (Spern Steiner, Steiger and Steinhaufen), a Premium Kékfrankos (the “super blend” of the three single vineyard wines), a rosé, a rosé pet-nat, a white Kékfrankos called Paradox and a traditional method sparkling wine, still ageing on the lees.
The Best Kékfrankos of Winelovers Wine Awards 2026 is Steigler Spern Steiner 2022.
The cellar of the organic estate is in located in the centre of the charming city of Sopron, well worth a visit!
Read more about Steigler Cellar

Read our earlier article about the unique “Steigler attitude”

“What we do is controlled idleness”

Why to visit Sopron
https://hungarianwines.eu/a-day-in-sopron-will-put-you-in-festive-mode/

Best of Grape Varieties

Best of Furmint: Szűcs – Patócs 2022, Tokaj, Hungary

Best of Hárslevelű: Sanzon Tokaj – Rány Hárslevelű 2021, Tokaj, Hungary

Best of Olaszrizling: Kreinbacher – Olaszrizling Selection 2022, Somló, Hungary

Best of Rhine Riesling: Csernus Winery & Vineyards – Rajnai Rizling 2025, Slovakia

Best of Szürkebarát (Pinot Gris): Éliás – Napról Napra Pinot Grigio 2025, Badacsony, Hungary

Best of Sárgamuskotály: Holdvölgy – Intuition No2 2024, Tokaj, Hungary

Best of Zöldveltelini (Grüner Veltliner): Weingut FJ Gritsch – Grüner Veltliner Singerriedel 2025, Austria

Best of Chardonnay: Cramele Recas – The New Chardonnay 2024, Romania

Best of Sauvignon Blanc: Misty Cove Wines – Misty Cove Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2025, Marlborough, New Zealand

Best of Kékfrankos: Steigler –  Spern Steiner Bio Kékfrankos 2022, Sopron, Hungary

Best of Kadarka: Káldi Wine – Kadarek 2024, Szekszárd, Hungary

Best of Pinot Noir: Etyeki Kúria – Pinot Noir Selection 2022

Best of Merlot: Günzer Tamás – Bocor Grandior Merlot 2023, Villány, Hungary

Best of Cabernet Franc: Bock – Essencia 2021, Villány, Hungary

Best of Cabernet Sauvignon: Jammertal – Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2022, Villány, Hungary

Best of Syrah: Czakó – Shiraz 2024, Etyek, Hungary

Heumann La Trinità 2019: Platinum!

144 Hungarian wines received some sort of acknowledgements at the 23rd edition of DWWA. 8 wines were awarded the highest accolade, the Platinum award, all with 97 points. 7 of the Platinum wines are white (6 from Tokaj, one from Somló), and there is only one red: Heumann La Trinità 2019 from Villány. Congratulations to all Platinum winners!
An article with more Hungarian award-winning wines is coming soon.

Heumann La Trinità 2019, Platinum, 97 points

La Trinità is made of 100% Cabernet Franc, and since it complies with the Villány regulation, it falls under the Villányi Franc appellation. As Taste Hungary explains, “it is named after one of the vineyards from which the grapes come—the Trinitás vineyard in the village of Vokány—though it also comprises grapes from Diósviszló’s Nagyhegy and Siklós’ Akasztófa vineyards. All of the vineyards have loess in common, with the latter containing an especially high proportion of limestone. The limestone adds extra structure-building acidity that delivers both freshness (often missing in Villányi Franc) and longevity to this low-yield wine.” La Trinità was fermented in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks, and then aged in 225-liter Hungarian barrels for 24 months.
Decanter panel review:
“Distinctive red cherries and raspberries in amongst attractive herbal notes adding layers of complexity. Judicious oak bestows structure and depth with shapely tannins in hold, and juicy acidity gives vibrance. Ageing beautifully with more to come.”
At UK distributor Novel Wines at the moment vintage 2018 is available.
More about Heumann Winery

Heumann wines are available in several countries, for example in Belgium at QWine, in Switzerland at Heumann Weine, Cave Gevin, Hunderweinhaus, Le Bouchon Vinothek and at Vinebration.

See all Hungarian Platinum winners here

Concours Mondial de Bruxelles

After three days of blind tasting, the results of the Red and White Wines Session of the 33rd edition of the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles are now officially known. Nearly 6700 wines from 50 countries were assessed by the international jury in Yerevan, Armenia. Hungary has collected 10 silver and 8 gold medals, plus Hungary received the trophy for the best red wine of the whole competition. 27 Hungarian wines received the latest title introduced this year by CMB, the so-called Merit certificate (minimum 86 points out of 100).

International Red Wine Revelation:
Jammertal Koh-I-Noor Merlot 2018, Villány
The winery has received this prestigious title for the second time.

Stars of our cover photo

Bock BV Syrah Extreme 2023, Villány

BV stands for Valér Bock, the founder, József Bock’s son. The winery has received 4 gold medals altogether, and one Bock wine got the Merit certificate. This collection of gold medals is an outstanding success at the famously rigorous CMB!
CMB jury review
“Blackcurrant and cooked plum aromas on the nose, with an integrated touch of wood. Silky-smooth tannins on the palate, with well-balanced wood. A long finish.”
More about Bock Winery
Bock wines are available in several countries. If you are interested in importing, contact Valér Bock.

Tűzkő Chardonnay Barrique 2023, Tolna

The winery has received gold medals at several international contests for the different vintages of this wine, clearly proving the potential of the variety in the hilly Tolna wine region. Besides the gold medal, Tűzkő was awarded 2 silver medals and 2 Merit certificates.
CMB jury review
“Apricot on the nose, with a touch of wood. On the palate, the wine is straightforward and very elegant, buoyed by fine acidity. The finish continues the fruit on a persistent freshness.”
More about Tűzkő Estate
Tűzkő wines are available in several countries. If you are interested in importing, contact the export manager, Bulcsú Ősi.

See all the Hungarian medals here

 

Wine of the Weekend: a “Grand” red from Mátra

Dominium is an organic family winery from the mountainous Mátra wine region. At the latest edition of VinAgora wine contest, the estate won two gold medals, one for Dominium Grand Feketeleányka 2022. Feketeleányka (‘Black Maiden’) is the same grape as the Romanian Fetească Neagră.

Two years ago, we reported that Dominium Grand Feketeleányka 2022 had been selected the best red wine of a Hungarian trade magazine, and it had also been chosen “The Wine of Gyöngyös” (the capital city of Mátra). We wrote the following: “The 2022 vintage was an excellent year, the fruit of it is called Grand Feketeleányka, a complex, barrel aged, organic wine with great potential.”
And yes, the tasters were right! Now, two years later, the same vintage got gold medal again at the prestigious VinAgora international wine competition! What is more, Dominium Merlot 2023 was also awarded gold.

Not cheap, not weak – so what?

Dominium Grand Feketeleányka 2022 is made of selected fruit from a vineyard cultivated with organic viticulture. It fermented spontaneously, and matured in new and second use 250 L and 500 L oak barrel for 11 months. Full-bodied, complex, layered wine abundant in forest fruits and spices. The alcohol is 16%, well, do not drive after that, you had better stay in one of the charming rooms of Dominium guest house, and the other day do not miss the sauna with view of the vineyard.
It costs 49 000 HUF / 138.5 EUR – but outstanding wines have their price… The other gold winner wine, Dominium Merlot 2023 costs only 99 000 HUF / 28 EUR.

More about Dominium Winery

Read an interview with Dániel Orbán, the winemaker of Dominium Winery

Organic wines and absolute “recharge” in Mátra

Dominium wines are available in several wine shops in Hungary, like Ab Ovo wine shop or the webshop of Dominium. In case you are interested in importing Dominium wines, contact Dániel Orbán. 

Dominium Guest House – the best place to taste

The well equipped, lovely guest house is ideal base for those, who plan to discover Mátra mountain. Recently the guest house has been equipped with three e-bikes and 2 bikes, thus friends and families have a new way to wander in the neighbourhood.

More about the guest house and booking

7 Hungarian highlights

1054 wines from 17 countries were entered into the 27th edition of VinAgora international wine competition, held in Budapest, Hungary. Champion winners were announced in 8 categories this year, while 17 Grand Gold medals were awarded. A total of 220 wines received Gold medals, representing more than one-fifth of all entries, while 100 wines were awarded Silver medals. In addition, 315 wines received the Commended distinction.

Wines of our cover photo

– Vesztergombi Vintage 2021, Szekszárd – Grand Gold winner

This vintage has several vintages–since here Vintage is the name of the wine. It is a blend of five grapes: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz and Kékfrankos. The wine named Csaba also received gold medal.
VinAgora fact sheet
More about Vesztergombi Cellar

– Vylyan Sauvignon Blanc 2025, Villány – The Best Hungarian Sauvignon Blanc

It is the VERY FIRST Sauvignon Blanc of Vylyan, it has just debuted, and it costs only 2790 HUF / around 7.8 EUR on the webshop of the winery! Vylyan won 3 gold medals alogether at VinAgora.
VinAgora fact sheet
More about Vylyan Vineyard and Winery

– Frittmann Hajnal 2025, Kunság – gold medal

When an easy-going, affordable wine gets gold medal, there is hope for humanity. Yes, every-day, thirst quenching, charming wines can also be appreciated. This white blend costs only 1700 HUF / less than 5 EUR on the webshop of the winery!
VinAgora fact sheet
More about the wine

– Garamvári Mimi Blanc de Blancs brut NV, Balatonboglár – gold medal

Garamvári Vineyards is one of the most successful wineries of VinAgora–this year with 5 gold medals! Mimi is a special traditional method sparkling wine, actually, it is a love message made of Pinot Blanc…
VinAgora fact sheet
More about Garamvári Vineyard

Tűzkő Estate from Tolna will also participate

Winelovers X is a walk-around tasting for professionals on 9 June, with approximately 50 exhibitors. The venue is the hotel of the wine competition, Ensana Thermal Hotel in the charming Margaret Island. Are you a wine professional? This tasting is worth an escape in the green heart of Budapest! Entrance is free of charge for the members of the wine trade.  The first 15 exhibitors are revealed, Tűzkő Estate, a “daughter estate” of the Tuscan Antinori will also be present.

Date and time: 9 June 2026, 15.00–19.00
Venue: Ensana Thermal Hotel, Margaret Island, Budapest, Hungary
How to register? In case you are a member of the wine trade (wine merchant, importer, buyer, sommelier, restaurant manager etc.), write an email to info@winelovers.hu. Besides your name and profession, please, provide your workplace and your position. Our colleagues will reply shortly.
Exhibitors: 15 names are announced and some more is coming soon, we plan to have 50 exhibitors. See the list here.

Did you know that Antinori estate is Europe’s most admired winery?

Just check out this list! And did you know that Antinori has an estate in Hungary? Tűzkő Estate is located in the hilly Tolna wine region, and they have a wide range of wines from the crispy Grüner Veltliner to the complex red flagship blend, Tűzkő Domb. The winery has won The Best Chardonnay trophy at the first edition of Winelovers Wine Awards international wine competition, while Tűzkő Domb 2023 has just won gold medal at VinAgora, the other international wine contest organised in Hungary..

More about Tűzkő Estate