Nordosten

This wine-growing region is located in the north-east of Hungary, close to the border with Slovakia, to the north-east of here lies the Tokaj-Hegyalja region, where Tokay wine is produced. It is named after the city of the same name (Erlau in German), located at the foot of the Bükk mountains. Extensive underground cellars are located beneath the city. The region became famous mainly for the Egri Bikavér red wine (ox’s blood) produced here. The vineyard area totals around 5.200 hectares on volcanic tufa soils. There is little rainfall in summer, and the winters are long. The most important grape varieties are Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Merlot, Hárslevelü, Kékoporto (Blauer Portugieser), Kékfrankos (Blaufränkisch), Kadarka, Leányka (Feteasca Alba), Merlot, Muskotály Ottonel (Muskat-Ottonel), Olaszrizling (Welschriesling) and Tramini (Gewürztraminer). The best-known producers include Béla Vincze, Egervin, G.I.A. (Gál Tibor), Ostoros Bor, Pók Tamás, Szigeti and Vilmos Thummerer.