Article: Your Guide to The Wines of Austria & Hungary - This Month's Novel Wines Explorer's Club
Your Guide to The Wines of Austria & Hungary - This Month's Novel Wines Explorer's Club
Welcome to this month's Novel Wines Explorer's Club, the UK's most exciting wine subscription for the curious drinker. Each month, we will introduce you to a new wine region as part of our promise to deliver no two wines the same for a whole year. Not a member yet? Subscribe here.
Looking for an older guide? See all the Explorer's Club guides here.
What's in this month's Explorer's Club?
This month, we’re embarking on a journey through the historic heart of Central Europe, where the winemaking traditions of Austria and Hungary intertwine. These two nations share more than just an imperial past—they boast some of the most exciting, characterful wines in the world. From Austria’s eastern border to Hungary’s volcanic west, this case is a deep dive into a region that has shaped European wine for centuries.
Expect indigenous gems and international favourites, each bottle offering a taste of the landscapes that define them. Whether you’re discovering these wines for the first time or revisiting old favourites, this selection is designed to surprise and delight.
So, pour a glass, raise a toast and let the flavours of the Austro-Hungarian lands transport you to a world of history, tradition, and bold, unforgettable wines. We can’t wait to hear about your favourites!
We journey to the stunning northern shores of Lake Balaton, where the volcanic hills of Csopak shape some of Hungary’s most expressive white wines. Here, St. Donat Winery champions the region’s winemaking heritage, crafting terroir-driven wines that speak of the lake’s cooling breezes, mineral-rich soils, and centuries-old traditions.
Their Olaszrizling is a pure, vibrant expression of Hungary’s most widely planted white grape. Delicate yet deeply nuanced, the wine opens with aromas of white peach, almond blossom, and a hint of saline minerality, reflecting its volcanic origins. On the palate, layers of ripe pear, citrus zest, and crushed stone unfold, carried by a beautifully balanced acidity and a touch of almond on the finish—a signature of Csopak’s finest Olaszrizlings.
A perfect companion for freshwater fish, herby roast chicken, or creamy risottos, this is a wine that truly captures the elegance and authenticity of Balaton’s breathtaking landscapes. Pour a glass, take a sip, and let yourself be transported to the sun-drenched terraces of Hungary’s most iconic white wine region.
Tucked away in the rolling hills of Somló, Hungary’s smallest but most revered volcanic wine region, Fekete Pince crafts wines of true depth and character. This historic estate, often called the "Grand Old Man of Somló," has long been a champion of traditional winemaking, allowing the land’s unique terroir to shine through in every bottle.
The FKT Series Olaszrizling 2021 is a textural, mineral-driven expression of this noble grape, shaped by Somló’s basalt-rich soils and extended lees aging. Aromas of baked apple, lemon peel, and wild herbs invite you in, while the palate delivers a striking balance of ripe citrus, toasted almonds, and a flinty, smoky undertone—a hallmark of Somló’s volcanic origins. The wine finishes with a long, saline freshness, leaving a lasting impression of power and elegance.
A superb choice for roast poultry, umami-rich mushroom dishes, or hard cheeses, this wine is a pure reflection of Somló’s raw, untamed beauty. Pour a glass and discover why this region has been captivating wine lovers for centuries.
Our journey through Hungary’s volcanic heartland continues in Somló, home to one of the country’s most enigmatic and age-worthy white grapes—Juhfark. Grown on the steep basalt slopes of this tiny but mighty region, Fekete Pince’s expression of Juhfark is a true reflection of Somló’s raw, untamed beauty, shaped by its mineral-rich soils and a winemaking legacy that spans centuries.
The 2019 vintage offers a powerful, structured wine with aromas of ripe quince, citrus peel, and smoky flint, underpinned by a subtle touch of dried herbs and toasted nuts. On the palate, it’s richly textured yet vibrantly fresh, delivering layers of baked pear, lemon oil, and saline minerality, all wrapped in a firm backbone of acidity. With its long, complex, and slightly spicy finish, this is a wine that rewards patience, evolving beautifully with time.
A natural match for grilled fish, roasted pork, or aged cheeses, Juhfark is often called the "wedding night wine," believed to bring strength and vitality to those who drink it. So pour a glass, raise a toast, and let the volcanic magic of Somló unfold in every sip.
We travel to the rolling hills of the Villány region, where Sabar Winery brings us this vibrant and refreshing Rosé made from Kékfrankos, a Hungarian variety beloved for its spicy, berry-forward character. With its delicate pale pink hue, this wine offers a glimpse into the soul of Hungary’s rich winemaking history while showcasing the cooling influences of the region's unique microclimate.
The Sabar Rosé Kékfrankos opens with an alluring bouquet of wild strawberries, raspberries, and a touch of rose petal, making it an irresistible choice for those who appreciate aromatic freshness. On the palate, it’s crisp and lively, offering juicy red fruit, a hint of citrus zest, and a touch of herbaceousness, all lifted by a bright, zesty acidity. The finish is clean, refreshing, and perfectly balanced, with subtle mineral undertones.
Ideal for light appetizers, grilled seafood, or fresh salads, this Rosé is a fantastic companion to alfresco dining or simply sipping on a sunny afternoon. Refresh your senses and discover a new expression of Hungarian winemaking with this deliciously drinkable gem.
From the ancient wine lands of Carnuntum, where Roman legions once cultivated vines, comes a bold and expressive Blaufränkisch from one of Austria’s most respected organic winemakers, Walter Glatzer. Nestled in the rolling hills of Göttlesbrunn, his vineyards benefit from the warm Pannonian climate and cooling Danube breezes, creating wines of both depth and finesse.
This single-vineyard Blaufränkisch is a stunning showcase of the grape’s spicy, dark-fruited personality. The nose is alive with aromas of blackberry, sour cherry, and wild herbs, while the palate unfolds with layers of ripe plum, crushed pepper, and a hint of cedar, all wrapped in velvety tannins and vibrant acidity. The long, mineral-laced finish speaks to Carnuntum’s limestone and loess soils, giving the wine both structure and elegance.
An exceptional food wine, this Blaufränkisch pairs beautifully with grilled lamb, roasted duck, or hearty mushroom dishes. Uncork a bottle and discover why Carnuntum is emerging as one of Austria’s most exciting red wine regions.
Another family wine from the sun-drenched vineyards of Carnuntum, where Austria’s warm days and cool nights shape expressive, terroir-driven wines, comes this elegant and finely structured Cabernet Sauvignon. Crafted by Hanna Glatzer, daughter of the renowned Walter Glatzer, this organic Cabernet reflects both a low intervention approach and a clean, fresh style, capturing the essence of Austria’s evolving red wine scene.
The 2020 vintage opens with an inviting bouquet of blackcurrant, ripe cherry, and a touch of tobacco, underpinned by hints of cedar, graphite, and dried herbs. On the palate, it’s beautifully balanced, with layers of dark berry fruit, cacao, and spice, supported by fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity. A long, refined finish lingers with notes of black pepper and a subtle mineral edge, reflecting Carnuntum’s loess and gravel soils.
This sophisticated and food-friendly Cabernet is a perfect match for grilled steaks, roasted vegetables, or rich pasta dishes. Pour a glass, take a sip, and experience the finesse and precision of Austria’s organic winemaking at its finest.
