The best wines from Tolna in Hungary

Tolna has only been an independent Hungarian wine region since the end of the last century. It lies on the border between 'white and red'. In the north, close to Lake Balaton, white wines are made. In the sunny south, red wines are in the majority. Tolna is young, energetic and on the rise. The quality of the wines is improving all the time.

In the northern part of Tolna, mainly white wine is made from Chardonnay, Cserszegi Fűszeres, Sauvignon Blanc, Olaszrizling and Királyleányka. These are fresh white wines, harmonious and refreshingly acidic. In the south of Tolna you will find the same grapes as in the neighbouring district of Szekszárd: mainly Portugieser, Kékfrankos, Cabernet Franc and Kadarka.

Although wine has been made here since Roman times, Tolna has only been an independent Hungarian wine district since 1977. The climate in the approximately 2,000 hectares of vineyards is quite cool, with relatively mild winters and dry, sunny summers. The soil contains sand and clay, supplemented with loess.

The quality of the wines from Tolna does not yet match that of Villány or Szekszárd. Tolna makes some nice wines. If you come across such a bottle in the Netherlands, you certainly don't have to walk around it with a wide berth.