The 43rd edition of Hungary's most esteemed wine competition, the National Wine Contest, was a unique celebration of Hungarian winemaking excellence. It showcased an impressive array of 897 samples sourced from 230 distinguished wineries spanning all 22 of the country's diverse wine regions. This year’s event allowed wine enthusiasts and industry experts alike to engage with a remarkable selection of wines that exemplify Hungary’s rich vinicultural heritage, each region offering a unique and exciting taste of Hungarian wine culture.

It's notable that Hungary hosts two premier international events: VinAgora and the Winelovers Wine Awards. VinAgora, established in 2003, is particularly recognized for its rigorous judging process that employs a panel of esteemed international wine experts. This competition seeks to elevate Hungarian wines on a global platform and regularly features entries from over 20 countries, highlighting the international appeal and growing recognition of Hungarian varietals and blends. It's a testament to the world-class quality and unique character of Hungarian wines that they are gaining such widespread acclaim.

In addition to these high-profile competitions, several other contests concentrate on specific grape varieties, reflecting Hungary's intricate and diverse wine heritage. A noteworthy upcoming event is the GROW in 2024, a unique competition designed to emphasize Hungary's unique terroirs and spotlight the potential of lesser-known grape varieties that have historically been overlooked. This event is particularly significant as it encourages exploring and promoting diverse Hungarian wines. Other prominent competitions, such as the Portugieser du Monde and Franc du Monde, are dedicated to celebrating the Portugieser and Cabernet Franc varietals, respectively, paying homage to their unique characteristics and contributions to Hungary's wine culture.

Amongst these esteemed competitions, the National Wine Contest, known as the “Országos Borverseny”, remains the most significant annual event in the Hungarian viticulture calendar. Since its inception in 1949, the contest has been organized by the National Council of the Wine Communities, serving as a pivotal platform for local producers to showcase their finest vintages.

The rigorous selection process, bolstered by an esteemed panel of judges, ensures that only the most exceptional wines are awarded, making this contest a vital moment in the calendar for Hungarian winemakers. It serves as a crucial quality indicator for consumers, guiding them towards the finest offerings from Hungary's rich and diverse wine landscape. The recognition and prestige of winning at this event can significantly boost a winery's reputation and sales, making it a key driver of quality and innovation in the Hungarian wine industry.

Let's dive into the awards to explore the various categories, nominees, and criteria that define excellence in this year's competition.

Koch winery: a beacon of excellence in winemaking

Koch Winery, renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship, is led by the talented Csaba Koch, who earned the prestigious title of Winemaker of the Year in 2019. Under his guidance, the winery has amassed an impressive collection of accolades, with 13 medals comprising 10 gold and 3 silver, reflecting its dedication to quality and excellence.

Among its most notable achievements are the Koch Prémium Cabernet Franc 2021 and the Koch & Evans Cabernet Sauvignon 2019, both produced from grapes expertly sourced from the acclaimed Villány wine region, known for its rich soils and ideal microclimates for viticulture. The winery’s flagship blend, the Csanád Cuvée, has also garnered significant acclaim, particularly for its remarkable 2019 and 2020 vintages, which have been praised for their complexity and depth of flavor.

While Koch Winery has roots in the Hajós–Baja wine region, it demonstrates a remarkable versatility and commitment to quality by extending its vineyards into the Villány area. This strategic decision highlights the winery's dedication to exploring diverse terroirs and allows it to create a range of wines that truly express the character of both regions.

Sauska: the finest bottle-fermented sparkling wine

Sauska Winery, with its picturesque vineyards in both Tokaj and Villány's renowned regions, offers an exceptional portfolio of wines that caters to diverse palates. The winery's selection includes elegant white blends that capture the essence of the terroir, full-bodied reds known for their complexity and richness, and delightful sweet wines that epitomize the region's signature styles.

The sparkling wines mainly shine among their impressive offerings, a testament to the meticulous techniques established by esteemed wine specialist Regis Camus, who brings decades of expertise to the winemaking process. One of their crowning achievements is the Sauska Brut NV, originating from the famed Tokaj region, which was awarded the prestigious title of best sparkling wine. This accolade underscores the winery's unwavering commitment to producing high-quality wines that reflect the artistry and dedication of their craft. Each bottle captures a unique expression of the local terroir, making Sauska wines not just beverages but experiences to savor.

Feind: best aerated sparkling wine

Feind Winery, a modern family-run business nestled in the picturesque Balatonfüred–Csopak region of Hungary, combines traditional winemaking techniques with state-of-the-art technology to produce an exquisite range of sparkling wines. Their offerings encompass various methods, including bottle fermentation, the Charmat method, and carbonated styles, ensuring a diverse selection that caters to different palates and occasions.

The crown jewel of their collection is the Feind Irsai Olivér 2023 aerated sparkling wine, which is particularly noteworthy for its refreshing and flavourful profile, making it an ideal choice for summer gatherings and celebrations. Crafted from the indigenous Hungarian grape variety Irsai Olivér, this sparkling wine captivates the senses with its vibrant aromas, reminiscent of freshly harvested, juicy grapes, complemented by subtle floral notes. The lively effervescence enhances its crispness, while the well-balanced acidity provides a delightful finish. Feind's Irsai Olivér 2023 promises to be a memorable addition to any wine lover’s collection, perfect for sipping on a warm afternoon or pairing with light seafood dishes and summer salads.

Frittmann: another standout aerated sparkling wine

While Feind's Irsai Olivér took home the award for the best aerated sparkling wine, Frittmann Frisecco is also worthy of recognition, as both wines achieved identical scores of 87.17. Like Feind’s creation, Frisecco showcases the remarkable potential of the Irsai Olivér variety in Hungary. The Frittmann Winery, the premier family estate in the Kunság region, is operated by the Frittmann brothers and their families. János Frittmann received accolades as Winemaker of the Year in 2007, further solidifying the winery's reputation.

Szeleshát: top red wine

Out of 897 meticulously evaluated wines, only 7 prestigious Grand Gold medals were awarded, with an impressive 3 honours going to red wines. The standout among these was the Szeleshát Gubac Merlot 2019 from the renowned Szekszárd wine region, which achieved an outstanding score of 93.17 points. This remarkable score highlights the wine's exceptional quality and underscores the mastery of Hungarian winemakers in crafting world-class offerings.

While Hungary prides itself on diverse indigenous grape varieties and unique wine styles, international varietals like Merlot consistently stand out in competitive tastings. The Szeleshát Gubac has quickly gained recognition as a favoured selection, making frequent appearances on the menus of top-tier restaurants across Hungary, where it is celebrated for its rich flavours and versatility in food pairings.

Tokaj Oremus: the pinnacle of sweet wines

In a remarkable showcase of viniculture, four out of the seven prestigious Grand Gold medals were awarded to exceptional sweet wines, all proudly bearing the illustrious Tokaji Aszú designation from the renowned Tokaj region of Hungary, celebrated for its unique terroir and long-standing winemaking traditions. Taking the spotlight as the undisputed champion is the exquisite Tokaj Oremus Tokaji Aszú 5 puttonyos, a luxurious wine that embodies the pinnacle of quality in sweet wine production.

This remarkable vintage captivates the senses with its rich layers of flavor, featuring notes of apricot, honey, and delicate spices. At the same time, its vibrant acidity provides a perfect counterbalance to the sweetness. The wine's complexity reflects the meticulous craftsmanship and dedication of the winemakers, as well as the distinct characteristics of the indigenous Furmint and Hárslevelű grape varieties used in its production. The Tokaji Aszú 5 puttonyos showcases the region's heritage and represents an extraordinary expression of nature and tradition in every bottle.

Béres vineyards: best sweet gold winner

In the realm of prestigious wine competitions, global acclaim for Tokaj's sweet specialities shines brightly. Notably, at this year's event, a total of 13 gold medals were awarded outside of the coveted Grand Gold category. Among the distinguished winners, Béres Vineyards emerged as a standout contender, securing accolades for their exquisite Béres Tokaji Aszú 6 puttonyos from the exceptional 2017 vintage.

This remarkable wine achieved an impressive score of 91.4 points, reflecting its rich complexity and the meticulous craftsmanship that defines the Béres legacy. With its luscious sweetness balanced by vibrant acidity, this Tokaji Aszú exemplifies the region's hallmark characteristics, celebrating Tokaj's unique terroir and the artistry of its winemakers.

Equally distinguished are the other esteemed contenders within Tokaji Aszú wines. The Grand Tokaj Terroir Selection 5 puttonyos Tokaji Aszú 2019 stands out as a true representation of the region's unique terroir, showcasing a rich mosaic of flavours derived from the botrytized grapes that thrive in the sun-kissed hills of Tokaj. Its exquisite balance between sweetness and acidity creates a sumptuous profile, revealing notes of honey, apricot, and a hint of spice.

Additionally, the Babits Tokaji Aszú 6 puttonyos 2019 is renowned for its harmonious balance and remarkable depth. This wine presents an enchanting array of flavours, including ripe peach, orange zest, and a subtle minerality that speaks to the volcanic soil of the region. Each sip unfurls layers of complexity, making it a truly engaging experience for the palate.

The Patricius 6 puttonyos Tokaji Aszú 2019 further elevates the experience, offering an unforgettable journey for the senses. Its luxurious sweetness is complemented by vibrant acidity, creating an intricate dance of flavors that includes candied citrus, rich caramel, and a whisper of vanilla. This wine perfectly embodies the quintessence of Tokaji Aszú, inviting drinkers to savor the essence of the tradition and craftsmanship that define this exceptional wine style.

Together, each sip of these remarkable wines transports you to the sunlit vineyards of Tokaj, where the air is filled with the sweet aroma of ripe fruits and the spirit of winemaking history. The lingering impression of these exquisite wines remains like a cherished memory, making them a worthy addition to any fine wine collection.

Raise a glass! Dive into the delightful world of Hungarian wines and savor some genuinely exceptional selections. Enjoy every sip!