Egri Csillag (literally the ‘Star of Eger’), the white blend of Eger wine region is celebrating its 10th birthday with the release of the 10th vintage. Let us cheers with two excellent Egri Csillag wines!

A decade ago the Eger wine region was looking for new ways to express its identity. Egri Bikavér has long been established as a leading brand among Hungarian reds but its white counterpart was missing. Eger as a wine region is characterized by a rich diversity of varieties so the tradition of blending goes back to centuries. There is no single white variety that could be considered dominant either in terms of acreage or production volume, nevertheless almost 45% of the area under vine is dedicated to white varieties. With this in mind it was clear that local winemakers should create a white counterpart to the iconic Egri Bikavér, a white blend marketed under a common brand name.

What to know about Egri Csillag

– The first vintage of Egri Csillag was made in 2011.
– Initially ten wineries launched whites with the name Egri Csillag.
– Since then the number of participating wineries has steadily increased and today there are more than 25 different Egri Csillags available.
– Egri Csillag is a blend of at least four varieties.
– At least half of the varieties must be indigenous to the Carpathian Basin.
– There are three categories: classicus, superior and grand superior.
– All of them dry.
– Classicus is a light, crispy wine with intense fruit and floral aromas.
– Wines in the superior category show more concentration and receive barrel ageing.
– With grand superior wines there is an exciting extra dimension: all the grapes come from a single vineyard.
– With an annual production of one million bottles Egri Csillag is one of the market leaders today.
– Thanks to the volume and the three categories a wide range of customers buy the wines.
– You can find them in supermarkets, but also in wine bars and top restaurants frequented by wine connoisseurs.
Spring has come and the new vintage of Egri Csillags is here to lighten up your days.

Thummerer Egri Csillag Classicus – crispy and charming with Királyleányka base

This wine created from reductive conditions resulted in pointed aromas, and this intrinsic value resulted in complex wine character. Nice green-toned colours with spring flowers int he smell. Tramini and Zenit gives it structure, Királyleányka and Sauvignon blanc gives it nice acids. It has long lasting aromas with enjoyable after-taste. This reductive wine gives high smell and rich body, which resulted in a complex character.
Drink with poultry white meat, fish and meals made with asparagus. It would accompany nicely steamed asparagus with hollandaise for friendly conversations, consumed at 9–10°C.

More about Thummerer Winery
Check out Thummerer Egri Csillag Superior here

Tóth Ferenc Egri Csillag Classicus – flowers in the glass

Another family winery from Eger that has been producing Egri Csillag since the beginning. Their blend is made of Hárslevelű, Királyleányka, Leányka, Olaszrizling and Ottonel Muskotály. “Middle – deep, straw – yellow colour turns to gold with great viscosity in the glass. After waiting for a while all characteristic aromas of the blended varieties are shown. Citrus notes appear on the nose especially green lemon skin aroma. Turkish delight and vanilla sugar fragrances refer to the ripeness of the wine. The inevitable flower aromas stay behind and more dominate in the taste. Honey and fresh taste of the grape on the palate. Intensive sip, well integrated alcohol and sufficient acidity. Middle – long, a bit dry aftertaste with nicely rounded finish.” Adél Ulcz from CsokiLaBor

More about Tóth Ferenc Winery

Check out Tóth Ferenc Egri Csillag Superior