St Andrea 'Agape' Nagy-Eged Egri Bikavér Grand Superior
Agapé is a top Bikavér selection from the St. Andrea winery, made solely from the best grapes from the acclaimed Nagy-eged-hegy vineyard. Arguably the top red wine made in Hungary.
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'.
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.
St. Andrea was established in 2002 by György Lőrincz and his family, and has achieved a level of success that few wineries in Hungary can match. In addition to the winery—which has received all of the awards imaginable, and has created wines which have become esteemed brands across the country—the family has a restaurant and a wine bar in Budapest.
Nagy-Eged wines come from the grand cru terroir of Nagy-Eged Hill- the highest altitude vineyard in Hungary and the most valued in the region. The Eged Hill is the place where the warmth of the Plains meets the cool air of the Bükk Mountains, forming a special microclimate. The limestone marl contributes to the delicacy and complexity of the wines.
This wine is a blend of Kékfrankos (Blaufränkisch), Kadarka, Merlot, Pinot Noir, and Syrah. Spontaneous fermentation in open wooden vats and stainless steel, aged 16 months in large 3 and 5 hectolitre oak barrels.
James Suckling, one of the world's best-known international wine writers, awarded the performance of the cellar in Egerszalók with 98 points and 48th place in the series featuring the 100 best wines of the year. The 20 years of continuous striving for the good, self-sacrificing work and professionalism have become fruitful, and the Eger Bikavér from the Nagy-Eged-hegy vineyard has earned a worthy place among the world's iconic red wines. The nose of this elegant wine, with fuller than medium body, is full of red berries, rose and hibiscus. Its structure is balanced, its tannins are soft, its layers are deep, and its minerality is dominant. Quoting James Suckling's words: “It’s world class"
Free shipping for orders over $250 or 24 bottles.
Shipping Options (per 12-bottle case or part case)
- North Island - $5.90
- South Island - $9.90
- Waiheke Island - $18.00
- Rural delivery address - +$5.00
To check whether your destination address is considered Rural you can use the address checker on our courier's website here.
North Island deliveries are usually made between 1 and 3 days depending on the location it is being sent. South Island deliveries are usally 2 to 5 days.
Order before 1pm to get into the same day's courier run.
Buy it with
Region
- Hungary
Style
- Red Wine