Ask any Hungarian about their country's most iconic red wine, and the answer will almost certainly be Egri Bikaver, or "Bull's Blood." This deeply colored, full-bodied blend has been produced in the Eger wine region for centuries, and its story is woven into the fabric of Hungarian identity. The region lies on the southern slopes of the Bukk Mountains in northeastern Hungary, covering approximately 5,400 hectares of vineyards across 20 villages.
But Eger offers much more than a single wine. The region produces excellent white wines, sparkling wines, and increasingly refined single-varietal reds that are earning international recognition. And the experience of visiting its underground cellars and tasting wines directly from the barrel remains one of Hungary's most memorable wine experiences.
The Legend of Bull's Blood
The origin story of Bikaver dates to 1552, during the Siege of Eger. According to legend, Captain Istvan Dobo rallied his outnumbered garrison of 2,000 defenders against an Ottoman army of 80,000 by serving them red wine to boost their courage. As the soldiers fought with red-stained beards and tunics, the Ottomans believed they were drinking the blood of bulls for superhuman strength. The siege was successfully repelled, and the wine gained its legendary name.
While historians debate the details, the story perfectly captures the boldness and character that defines Eger's red wines. The term "Bikaver" was first formally recorded in the early 19th century, and Egri Bikaver became Hungary's first quality wine to receive regulated status in 1997.
Understanding Egri Bikaver
Modern Egri Bikaver is a carefully crafted blend, primarily based on the Kekfrankos (Blaufrankisch) grape. Current regulations require a minimum of three grape varieties, and winemakers typically use between four and seven. The wine is produced in three quality tiers:
- Egri Bikaver Classicus - The entry-level expression. Fresh, fruit-forward, and approachable. Ideal for everyday drinking with hearty Hungarian food.
- Egri Bikaver Superior - A step up in quality, with mandatory barrel aging and stricter grape selection. Richer and more complex, with better aging potential.
- Egri Bikaver Grand Superior - The pinnacle tier. Extended barrel aging, lower yields, and the highest quality standards. These wines can rival premium red blends from anywhere in Europe.
Permitted Grape Varieties
The blend may include:
- Kekfrankos (Blaufrankisch) - The backbone of the blend, contributing structure, acidity, and spicy red fruit character
- Kadarka - A traditional Hungarian variety adding elegance and herbal complexity
- Cabernet Sauvignon - Adds depth, cassis flavors, and tannin structure
- Cabernet Franc - Contributes peppery aromatics and mid-palate weight
- Merlot - Softens the blend with plum fruit and supple texture
- Syrah - A more recent addition, bringing smoky, dark fruit notes
- Pinot Noir - Occasionally used for aromatic complexity
The Valley of the Beautiful Women
No visit to Eger is complete without exploring Szepas szonyvolgy (the Valley of the Beautiful Women), a semicircular valley on the outskirts of town lined with dozens of wine cellars carved into the hillside. The name's origin is debated, but the atmosphere is undeniable: on any given afternoon, you'll find visitors moving from cellar to cellar, tasting wines directly from the barrel while cellar owners share stories and recommendations.
The experience is refreshingly informal. Most cellars charge a modest tasting fee (typically 500-2,000 HUF for several wines), and you're welcome to buy bottles directly. It's one of the few places in Europe where you can taste wine in a medieval cellar, chat with the winemaker, and walk out with a bottle for under 10 euros.
Beyond Bikaver: Other Eger Wines
While Bull's Blood dominates the conversation, Eger produces excellent wines in other styles:
- Egri Csillag (Star of Eger) - A white blend introduced in 2010, made from at least four grape varieties. Fresh, aromatic, and food-friendly.
- Single-varietal reds - Increasingly, Eger's best producers bottle outstanding Kekfrankos, Syrah, and Cabernet Franc as standalone wines.
- Sparkling wines - The region has a growing tradition of traditional method sparkling wines, particularly from the cooler, higher-altitude vineyards.
Visiting Eger: Practical Information
Eger is one of Hungary's most attractive small cities, located approximately 130 kilometers northeast of Budapest (about 1.5 hours by car or 2 hours by train). Beyond wine, the city is famous for its Ottoman-era thermal baths, Baroque architecture, and the historic castle that withstood the 1552 siege.
Getting There
Direct trains run from Budapest Keleti station to Eger several times daily. By car, take the M3 motorway east and then Highway 25 north. The Valley of Beautiful Women is about a 20-minute walk from the city center, or a short taxi ride.
Further Reading
Last updated: January 18, 2026