📍 Mátra

Mátra is a wine district in northern Hungary, on the slopes of the mountains of the same name. The highest peak in the country, Kékes (about 1,014 metres), stands here. The district's centre is the town of Gyöngyös. The mountains are of volcanic origin, so soils on the slopes are volcanic rock, often with loess. The climate is moderately continental, summers warm and nights cool.

Mátra is an important wine area of Hungary, especially known for white wines. The most important wine is Debrői Hárslevelű, an aromatic white from the Hárslevelű grape, made near the village of Debrő. Welschriesling (Olaszrizling), Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscat Ottonel also grow, giving fresh, aromatic wines. There are red, rosé and sparkling wines as well.

The district belongs to the larger area of Upper Hungary. South-facing slopes warm up best, and the finest vineyards stand on them.

For comparison with its neighbours: to the east lies Tokaj with its golden sweet wines, to the north-east Eger, known for the red “Bull's Blood” (Egri Bikavér), and to the south the Great Hungarian Plain.