📍 Eger

Eger is a wine district in north-eastern Hungary, around the town of Eger, at the foot of the Bükk and Mátra mountains. It belongs to the larger region of Upper Hungary (Northern Hungary). The district is famous for the red blend Egri Bikavér, meaning bull's blood.

According to legend, in 1552 the defenders of Eger castle drank red wine and managed to repel the Ottoman army; the enemy decided they were drinking bull's blood. Historians doubt the story, but the name stuck. Bikavér is a blend of several red grapes, mainly Kadarka, Kékfrankos (Blaufränkisch), Cabernet Franc and Merlot. There is also a white blend, Egri Csillag, from local and international grapes.

Eger's cellars are cut into volcanic tuff, notably in the so-called Valley of the Beautiful Women (Szépasszony-völgy). White grapes of the district include Olaszrizling and Leányka, and among reds, besides those named, Turán.

Eger is part of Upper Hungary and one of Hungary's best-known red wine regions. Nearby lies Tokaj, known for sweet white wines. Bikavér goes well with goulash, roast meat and sausages. The name Eger on a label shows that the grapes grew in this very area, which makes it easy to look for similar wines.