What was once Hungary's most famouse black grape is now fading fast. Originally a part of Bull's Blood, what used to be the most famous of Hungarian wine. Bull's Blood is still popular, but Kadarka is now being replaced with varietals that ripen earlier and are less prone to grey rot. With careful crop management Kadarka can produce full wines that are heavy with sweet spices and black fruits. Too often it is picked too early, or is grown in too high a yield. Also known as Gamza in Bulgaria.
The best examples of Kadarka come from the Szekszárd region in southern Hungary. Although this grape was almost forced into extinction during the communist reign it, like the rest of Hungarian wine, is starting to make a comeback.
Black