The Eger wine region in Northern Hungary produces the most famous and best red wines in Hungary - the pinnacle of which are the 'Bulls Blood' wines or 'Egri Bikaver'. 

Forget preconceptions what you the bad old days of 'Bikaver' brought from poor wines created in the Communist era of Hungary.  Since the 1990s the wine industry and quality of the wines are totally transformed and meeting with international acclaim.  

Bikavér or "Bulls Blood" is a name stepped in the history of the region, dating back to 1552 where the Ottoman empire laid siege to the fortress of Eger. The story goes that the Hungarian defenders fought fiercely due to ample quantities of the hearty local red wine.  The Ottomans (who did not drink alcohol) saw the red stains on the mustaches and clothes, and attributed the bravery and strength of their enemies to drinking the blood of bulls.  Perhaps a myth, but a good one!

The town of Eger is the heart of the wine region, surrounded by a mosaic of complex soils, the dominant sub-soil being a volcanic rhyolite tuff, with a variety of dense clay, limestone, and gravel.  There are three defined quality classifications for Egri Bikaver: Classicus, Superior, and Grand Superior. All must have 30-65% Kékfrankos grapes, must include a 4-12 different grape varieties. Ascending tiers of quality have more stringent controls on maximum yields in the vineyard, skin contact time in the winery, alcohol percentage, and oak aging. 

Gal Tibor is one of the most famous producers in the region, founded by Tibor Gal - a very talented Hungarian winemaker who helped to create the famous Super-Tuscan wine Ornellaia as the head winemaker at Antinori. He returned to Hungary after the fall of Communism founding the Gal Tibor winery in 1993. Reviving the fortunes of Egri Bikaver was a life mission for him, insisting the key to the wine were the local grape varieties Kékfrankos and Kadarka. His son Tibor Gal Jnr now runs the estate.

The most iconic wine of the estate is the Egri Bikavér Superior, made from a blend of Kékfrankos, Syrah, Cabernet franc, Pinot Noir. Naturally fermented, each variety vinified separately and aged in 500L barrels before blending, unfiltered, unfined.

"This wine is the truest representation of the legendary Egri Bikavér. Cool climate, volcanic soil and the combination of one of the best sites in Eger give rise to the fresh, spicy, ripe, vibrant fruits with a touch of leafiness from firm but well integrated, round tannins. Let it explode untamed out of a slightly chilled bottle!"