Hungary may not be the first name to come to mind when considering wine, but the country does have a long, if fractured, history in winemaking, as do a number of other regions in Europe. These days Hungary is more famous for their examples of sweet Tokaji wines, but as expected there also have dry table wines on offer.
The Stats
Download notes
Appearance
- Clarity: Clear
- Intensity: Medium
- Colour: Garnet
Nose
- Condition: Clean
- Intensity: Medium
- Development: Youthful
Palate
- Sweetness: Dry
- Acidity: Medium
- Tannin: Low
- Alcohol: Medium
- Body: Medium-
- Flavor Intensity: Medium
- Finish: Medium
Conclusions
- Quality: Acceptable
- Readiness/Cellaring: Can drink now, potential to cellar
- Identity: Hungary / Eger / Various varietals
- Price: Mid-priced ($13)
Notes
- Long, thin tears
- Aromas of cut vine, cherries, stewed prunes, plums
- Flavours of cherries, blueberries, stewed prunes, plums, capsicum
- Thin, watery, probably better served as a food wine.
- Not much tannin, but flavoursome.
- Match with pasta, cured meats
Another Hungarian wine label featuring “Bulls Blood”
Elaboration
With a name like “Bulls Blood” I was fully expecting something that would be flavoursome and weighty on the palate, but this did not hold completely true in this showing. While there was considerable depth of flavour, the wine seemed watery and lacking, not really holding my attention at all. This wine ad the consistency and body of a Pinot Noir, but the aroma and flavour profile of a Cabernet or Shiraz.
There are two ways I can think of to remedy this – either by serving it with the appropriate food, or perhaps serving the wine at a relatively cooler temperature (both of which I cover in my book). At the same time, I must concede that this may be one of those situations where you get what you pay for. Considering that this bottle of wine has flown halfway around the world before ending up in my hands, one couldn’t have too many expectations of a $13 bottle of wine, unless you knew something that few others do.
I hope that I will come across an example of Hungarian “Bulls Blood” wine that will meet my expectations. All it takes is one good example to change your mind.
Recent Comments