Szekszárd

The wine-growing area is located in the southwest of Hungary not far from the border with Croatia. It is one of the oldest and best in the country and is often called "Bordeaux Hungary" because excellent red wines are produced here. In the 19th century the red wine from the Kadarka grape was exported to many European countries. Great lovers of it were for example the composer Franz Liszt (1811-1886), who visited the area several times, and Pope Pius IX (1792-1878). The Pope believed that wine preserved his health and spirit. Here, as the only area besides Cheb, the traditional red wine Bull's Blood (Bikavér) may be produced. The continental climate is characterized by dry summers with plenty of sunshine and strong winds and long, mild winters. The vineyards on loess soils cover 2,300 hectares. The main varieties are Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Kadarka, Kékfrankos (Blaufränkisch), Merlot, Olaszrizling (Welschriesling) and Sauvignon Blanc Well-known producers are Baron von Twickel, Bodri, Dúzsi Tamás, Heimann Családi Birtok, Sebestyén Csaba, Takler Ferenc, Vesztergombi Ferenc and Vida Péter.