Introduction
As wine aficionados, it’s important to remain open-minded and always explore different varieties from different countries. In recent years, Eastern European wines have seen a surge in popularity around the world, primarily due to their unique and diverse styles. In this article, we will take a closer look at wines from Hungary, Romania and Slovenia, discussing the countries’ respective histories and the grapes grown there. So, let’s get started and explore an often forgotten world of delicious Eastern European wines!
Hungary
Hungary has an impressive long-standing reputation for winemaking. Their history of producing quality wines dates back to the Roman Empire. The majority of Hungarian wines are white, but red wines are also produced. Grapes such as Furmint, Hárslevelű, and Kékfrankos are some of the most popular varieties grown in Hungary.
Wines from Hungary often have uniquely acidic flavors and high alcohol content due to the stony soil they are usually grown in. Some of Hungary’s most famous regions for wine production include Tokaj, Villány-Siklós and Eger. Tokaj is home to Hungary’s most notable sweet wines, while Villány-Siklós and Eger produce mostly red varieties. The majority of Hungarian wines are consumed domestically, however some wines have gained international recognition.
History
This trend of Eastern European wines being introduced to the international market is a relatively new phenomenon. Wine has been produced in Eastern Europe for centuries, but until recently it was not widely available outside its region of origin.
Before the fall of communism in the 1990s, Eastern European countries such as Hungary, Romania, and Slovenia were largely cut off from the international wine trade. Despite their long standing winemaking history, producers of wines from these countries could not easily access the global market.
After the fall of communism, Eastern European countries were able to step onto the international stage and become more integrated in the global wine trade. This allowed producers of Hungarian, Romanian and Slovenian wines to share their products with the world, and has resulted in the current renaissance of Eastern European wines.
Grapes and Wine Styles
Eastern European countries produce a wide range of wines, from sparkling to sweet to dry. Popular grapes grown in Hungary, Romania and Slovenia include Feteasca, Kadarka and Sand isolate. Hungary is known for its dry and semi-dry white wines and red wines made from Egri Bikaver and the red variety Zweigelt. Romania is noted for its sweet wines, such as the local variety Tămâioasă Romanească and its many sparkling wines. Slovenia specializes in white wines, such as Laški Rizling and Beli Pinot, and in reds, such as Modra Frankinja and Refošk. All three countries produce a variety of rosé wines, Blanc de Noir and sweet dessert wines.
Romania
Romania has a long history of winemaking, with ancient grape varieties still in use today such as Fetească Neagră, Tămâioasă Românească and Babeasca. Romanian wines have become increasingly popular over the last decade and they have begun to gain international recognition. Romania is the seventh-largest wine producer in Europe, with an output of roughly 5.7 million hectoliters of wine each year. Popular varieties of Romanian wine include Feteasca Regala, a white wine noted for its crisp acidity, and Tamaioasa Romaneasca, a semi-sweet white wine with floral notes. Romania is home to several large wineries, some of which have been producing exceptional wines for many years. Many of the country’s wineries have embraced modern technologies and techniques in order to produce world-class wines. With a unique terroir and a long history of winemaking, Romania is an excellent destination for anyone looking to experience the rise of Eastern European wines.
History
Eastern Europe has a long and rich history of winemaking. In Hungary, wine culture dates back to Roman times, when the country was a major producer of quality wines. During the Middle Ages, Hungary continued to export wine to other parts of Europe, and still today it is known for its distinctive sweet dessert wines. Romania is also known for its unique winemaking traditions, with evidence suggesting the Romans first introduced wine production in the country at around 100 BC. Romania has a strong reputation for producing dry red wines, fortified wines, and some sparkling wines. Slovenia also has an ancient winemaking tradition and the country has won multiple awards for its wines in recent years. It is particularly renowned for its white wines, which have become increasingly popular in the international market.
Grapes and Wine Styles
When it comes to the production of Eastern European wines, Hungary, Romania, and Slovenia each have their own unique varieties of grapes and styles of wine. In Hungary, the dominant red variety is Kékfrankos, while the white variety is Olaszrizling. Romania is well-known for its Feteasca Negra variety, which is used to make dry and semi-sweet reds. The country also produces a range of white wines from the Feteasca Albă variety. In Slovenia, the red variety of choice is Terran, and it is used to make full-bodied reds with strong tannins. The country’s white variety is called Laški Rizling and it is used to make light and crisp white wines.
Slovenia
is a small country located between the Adriatic Sea and the Alps, bordering Italy, Austria and Hungary. Its wines have been influenced by the Italian and Austrian winemaking styles, and its native grape varieties have been adapted to the terroirs of Slovenia.
Slovenia produces a range of international and local grape varieties, including white wines such as Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Chardonnay, as well as reds such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. Local Slovenian grape varieties include Rebula, Teran, and the indigenous “Laski Riesling”, a cross between Riesling and Sylvaner.
In recent years, Slovenian wines have seen increasing recognition, both at home and abroad. Slovenian wines have received medals at international competitions, and the country has become a popular destination for wine tourism, with numerous vineyards and wineries open for tours and tastings. While still relatively unknown, Slovenian wines offer great value and quality and are worth exploring.
History
The history of Eastern European wine making dates back thousands of years. Ancient Greeks and Romans were known to have planted vines as well as cultivated wine-making in Eastern Europe, which was initially limited to Hungary, Slovenia, and Romania. Over time, wine production in the region expanded and spread to other parts of the world.
Hungary has a long history of wine production, with records dating back to the 4th century BC. In the Middle Ages, Hungarian wines were highly regarded in Europe, however, their popularity began to decline during the 17th and 18th centuries. Since then, Hungary has seen a resurgence of its wine industry with some of its finest wines produced in the popular regions of Eger and Tokaj.
Romanian wines, historically known as Transylvanian wines, were introduced to Europe by traders as early as the 14th century. Romanian wines were known for their unique aromatic qualities, and in the 19th century, Romanian wines were highly sought after. Today, Romania produces a variety of red and white wines, with the wine region of Dealu Mare producing some of the finest wines in the country.
Slovenian wine production dates back to the 4th century BC, when the Celts settled in the area and began cultivating grapes. Slovenian wines have grown in popularity over the years, with the country’s Central and Western regions producing a wide range of white and red wines. Today, many Slovenian wines have won awards at international competitions, and have become a force to be reckoned with in the world of winemaking.
Grapes and Wine Styles
The wine production in Eastern Europe is heavily reliant on the native grapes of the region. Hungary produces mainly Furmint and Olaszrizling, while Romania produces mainly Feteasca Neagra and Romania grapes. Slovenia is often known for its variety of whites, such as Welschriesling, Laški Rizling, and Zelen. However, the country produces several reds as well, such as Blaufränkisch and Refošk. Many of the wines produced in Eastern Europe fall within the categories of dry, semi-dry, semi-sweet, and sweet, depending on the preference of the winemaker. Examples of dry wines include Olaszrizling, Feteasca Neagra, and Blaufränkisch. Semi-sweet styles, such as Tokaji, are also popular.
