kadarka vines

KADARKA:
HUNGARY’S MYSTERIOUS RED

Light in color yet bursting with spice, Kadarka is Hungary’s most traditional red grape. Once the backbone of Egri Bikavér, today it shines as a vibrant, translucent red that bridges heritage with modern natural wine trends.

HISTORY OF KADARKA

Kadarka has deep roots in the Carpathian Basin, with written mentions as early as the 16th century. It dominated Hungarian vineyards for centuries and was the traditional base of Egri Bikavér (Bull’s Blood).

Though it nearly disappeared during the 20th century, a new generation of winemakers has revived Kadarka, celebrating its light, spicy, and authentic character in both blends and single-varietal bottlings.

illustration of furmint grape, native hungarian grape

TASTE PROFILE
& WINEMAKING STYLES

illustration of cherry

Cherry

illustration of rosehip

Rosehip

illustration of pepper

Pepper

illustration of sweet spice

Sweet spice

Body

Acidity

Sweetness

Alcohol

TRADIRIONAL BIKAVÉR BLENDS

Adds spice and elegance to Bull’s Blood.

SINGLE VARIETAL REDS

Delicate, perfumed, often translucent in color.

NATRUAL/UNFILTERED

Increasingly popular among new-wave winemakers.


LIGHT CHILLABLE REDS

Kadarka’s low tannin and juicy profile make it perfect slightly chilled.

WHERE KÉKFRANKOS THRIVES

Szekszárd

The heartland of modern Kadarka, producing spicy, elegant reds that balance tradition with finesse.

Eger

Historic home of Bull’s Blood, where Kadarka adds lift and spice to blends.

Hajós-Baja

A southern Hungarian wine region known for producing vibrant, spicy Kadarka with light tannins and lively fruit.

Our Kadarka pick

HUNGARIAN WINE. UNFOLDED