Why should France and Italy get all the love when it comes to wine?  That’s the question that Hungary is increasingly asking with the wines it imports to the U.S.  While Hungary may not be the biggest of countries or producers, it happens to make great wines.  While the best of these is Tokaji, they also happen to make a lot whites and reds that are quite good.  Among the most interesting is Bull’s Blood (Egri Bikaver), a dry red.  In honor of some newly immigrating wine, let’s fine out how it is.

As a side note, what’s with these eastern European wines providing pull tabs.  Not that I’m complaining!

Sight:  A firm, deep purple core, with a hot magenta edge.

Smell:  The nose is incredibly fun, with a huge mix of spices, green herbs, and gamey notes layered between tons of fruit.  Raspberries, plums, red cherries,  and blueberries are all quickly identifiable.  There’s a touch of smoke here as well.

Sip:   The body is firm, fleshy, and flavorful.  The body is more lively than the texture implies with a medium step.  The spices are powerful, coming through with notes of cinnamon, clove, and all spice.  There are tons of fruit flavors again, almost like fruit punch.   Tobacco and smoke get into the act, and those notes of herbs, like dill and tea come through.  A hint of leather comes in as well.

Savor:  The ending isn’t quite as composed, but still good.  Nice amounts of spice and red fruit close things out with a solid amount of tannins.

Egri Bikaver Bull’s Blood is tons of fun, loaded with flavor, and a great mix of things that are all set for almost any sort of meat based dish.    The weight and texture of the wines are serious highlights, and the burst of flavors are amazing at this price point.  It’s hard to overstate just how bursting with fruits and spice this wine is.  While the green notes are a little bit of a detraction, Egri Bikaver Bull’s Blood is a must try for any red wine lover.

Verdict:  Raspberries, Fruit Punch, Spice, Herbs, Textured
Rating: 93
Price: $10
Hungary

Available At: