Thummerer Bikavér

Thummerer Bikavér (Bull’s Blood) from Eger, Hungary is always a blend of at least 3 varietals from 15 approved varieties. Minimum 12 months of wood aging and the wine is only allowed on the market after 18 months and an inspection by a committee. A nicely balanced wine with earthy notes and a slightly spicy character. Floral with a nice body and a pleasant and long aftertaste.

Cabernet Sauvignon is best known in Bordeaux where, together with merlot and cabernet franc, it produces high-class wines. It needs a lot of heat to ripen, otherwise it will become green and juicy with a taste of green pepper. Too much heat makes it soft and jam-like, with a taste of blackcurrants. Cabernet Sauvignon produces very aromatic wines with scents of blackcurrant, vanilla, spices (pepper), tobacco, plum, cherry, toasted bread and cedar. The wines usually have a long shelf life, have a lot of tannin and in principle have to mature in barriques.

Merlot is one of the oldest Vitis vinifera varieties that ripens earlier than Carbernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Merlot is important in Bordeaux, especially in Saint-Emilion and Pomerol. Merlot plantings have increased significantly in recent years. The grape is very popular worldwide and people are increasingly realizing that Merlot must be planted in a fairly cool vineyard. This grape produces dark, cool, soft, spicy and fruity wines.

Kékfrankos: the Hungarian name for Austrian Blaufränkisch.