How many grape varieties are mandatory to use? Is it allowed to use the English translation for Bikavér? Does it have to be aged in barrel?

The Bikavér of Szekszárd wine region has to consist of minimum 4 grape varieties, Kékfrankos and Kadarka are obligatory in the blend and even the proportion of these grapes is given. No, ‘bull’s blood’ is not allowed to be mentioned on the label. Yes, Szekszárdi Bikavér has to be matured in barrel for a minimum of one year.

If you want to read the whole regulation, click here.
To download our free map of Szekszárd wine region, click here.

4 recommended Szekszárdi Bikavér wines

Dúzsi Szekszárdi Bikavér 2017

Dúzsi Family Winery is famous for its elaborate rosé wines as well as the single vineyard, outstanding red wines. The blend is made of Kékfrankos, Kadarka, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon from Lányvár vineyard, from 30-year-old vines that grow on rich alluvial soil on the banks of the Sió. It was aged in 10-hectolitre ászok barrels for 20 months. “Smoky, leathery, with sweetish aromas, high alcohol, incredible thickness and delicious sweetness on the finish.” (The review is written by the experts of ‘Bortársaság’ wine store chain.)

More wines from Dúzsi Family Winery

Eszterbauer Tüke Szekszárdi Bikavér 2016

Eszterbauer is another family winery with wines worth trying. Tüke Bikavér for example was selected in Super 12 – the best red wines according to the members of the Circle of Hungarian Wine Writers in 2019. The wine is made of Kékfrankos 50%, Cab. Sauvignon 18%, Cab. Franc 17%, Merlot 10%, Kadarka 5%. “On the nose it has a ‘cool’ character, but at the same time it has an attractive frutiy-spicy note. Loads of sour cherries, a pleasure to take a sniff of them. On the palate soft, velvety tannins, moderate acidity. Energicand serious, but also charming and easy to drink.”
The story of the label
More about Eszterbauer Winery

Vesztergombi Szekszárdi Bikavér 2015

Vesztergombi is again a family winery, and it happens to be in the same street where the Eszterbauers are located! What is more, the Dúzsi family is building a new plant at the moment – in the same street. Thus it will be a three in one winery visit soon – provided we are allowed to travel again. The first Vesztergombi Bikavér was released in 1993, the year when Ferenc Vesztergombi, the owner of the winery was awarded the prestigious title “Winemaker of the Year”.  “Kékfrankos gives the body and backbone of the wine, Cabernet Sauvignon adds spiciness and depth, Merlot is responsible for the soft and gentle character while Kadarka provides its soul.”
More about Vesztergombi Cellar

Lajver Szekszárdi Bikavér 2017

Lajver Wine Estate is the odd one out in this selection of Bikavér wines, since Lajver is not in the same street and neither is a family winery. Lajver is the passion enterprise of some friends, but during the years it became a passion of a whole team working on the 30 terraces of the estate. This Bikavér is perhaps the best value wine among the 4 for only 1799 HUF (5 euros). The blend consists of 60% Kékfrankos, 20% Kadarka, 15% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. “Matured nose with medium intensity. Layered and complex with dried blueberries, blackberry pie, leather, sour cherry liquor – and many more. The palate reveals its age, but its structure keeps it alive along with the vibrant acidity. The notes of leather and mushroom are present as much as the fruity notes, the latter ones are more on the cooked, jammy side. The structure is stabile, it has its length and the age makes it even more characteristic.” This wine has just been selected among the Top 100 Hungarian wines – with the prestigious position of the 24th!

More about Lajver Wine Estate