Bulls Blood: the Battle is on! Eger VS Szekszárd
Bulls Blood: from two regions
Bulls Blood has come a long way since, and the brand has seen many changes in tradition recipes, regional- and winemakers own preferences, but continues to represent a legendary symbol of red wine making in Hungary. In the last twenty years or so, laws and regulations evolved a lot, quality is now strictly classified and controlled, that resulted in a reliable and prestigious modern cuvee, as it is currently known.
Bulls Blood can only officially be produced in two wine regions of Hungary: Eger and Szekszárd. Although the characteristics still cannot be clearly distinguished in the two regions’ Bulls Bloods, the blends, the requirements, and grades differ in both, in order to adapt to the local soil & particular climate of the two regions. And this is where the battle of the two Bulls Bloods gets interesting.
Whilst it genuinely is an intriguing exercise to try, taste and compare the different characteristics of the two regions’ Bulls Bloods side by side, many argue that this competition is also great from the quality perspective, driving both side towards making better and better wines overall.
Bulls Blood from Szekszárd
Szekszárd Bulls Blood is classified in two grades. The standard must contain at least three grape varieties in the blend, with Kékfrankos and Kadarka representing minimum of 40% (Kékfrankos dominating) and other varieties (such as Blauburger, Meniore, Syrah, Zweigelt, Sagrantino et al) must not be over 10% in the blend. It also has to be aged for a minimum of one year oak. The dominance of Kékfrankos highlights the Szekszárd character of the Bulls Blood, as there is no other similar blend anywhere in the world based on Kékfrankos and Kadarka. Kékfrankos contributes with acid and structure, providing the ‘spine’ of the wine, whilst Kadarka adds its unique aromas.
With the Premium rated Szekszárd Bulls Blood the rules are further sophisticated with an additional year of bottle ageing (on top of the one year barrique ageing) , and with Kékfrankos at a minimum of 35%, Kadarka at 5%, Syrah at 10%, and can also add further varieties from a set number of grapes (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc) It is often argued, the Premium is more “international” in style based on the varieties used and proportions weighted.
Bulls Blood from Eger
Bulls Blood: Szekszárd VS Eger
Kékfrankos (forming the base of the blend) and Kadarka (second strongest presence in bulls blood in general) are not only the most planted varieties in Hungary, but the country also encompasses overall 50% of the world’s plantings of these two varieties. Both Kékfrankos and Kadarka are regarded as great blending partners and versatile local varieties in Hungary.Hence they serve as a fantastic tool to determine the style of the wine in the Szekszárd region VS Eger region battle.
Generally, Eger Bulls Blood tends to represent a more tannic, earthy favours, and sit on the firmer, more structured end of the spectrum. Szekszárd’s Bulls Blood tend to show elegance, luscious fruit ripeness, softer texture and spicy character, that also ages faster.
As with all wines of course, it mostly comes down to personal taste and preference, but the Bulls Blood legacy continues to offer an intriguing opportunity for wine enthusiasts to examine and compare the different characters of different regions!
An excellent quality Bulls Blood is mostly recommended to enjoy with beef, game, or classic spicy Hungarian dishes, and with a serving temperature of 15 – 17 °C.