Bulls Blood, Blaufrankisch, or Bikaver is a northeast Hungarian red blend of at least three grapes, traditionally Kadarka (but not used as much nowadays), so mainly Kekfrankos, Kekoporto plus Cabernet Sauvignon or Zweigelt. It's my first Hungarian wine, and it really impressed me as a good inexpensive ($7.99) everyday wine.
Rustic barnyard aromas, black plum, smoked bacon, and licorice with flavors of stewed prunes, blackberry jam, a spicy finish with fresh acidity and very mild tannins.
To see another post about this wine and others for under $10 see the kitchn.
1 comment:
Bulls Blood from Eger got its name from the legend of the fights around the fortified city of Eger in Hungary. In 1552 Turkish Ottomans invaded Europe. When the army of 120.000 soldiers reached Eger they besieged the city for over a month.
2000 Men, women and children fought until they beat off the Turks eventually. As there was no more food left, they drank all the wine and fought like Bulls. Turks being islamic, thought they must be drinking blood....
Production of Bikaver needs to include three out of 11 varieties: kadarka, kékfrankos, portugieser (kékoportó), cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, merlot, pinot noir, kékmedoc, bíborkadarka, turán, blauburger and zweigelt.
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