Hungarian wines aren’t only about Bull’s Blood you know. Here are John Wilson’s picks

Ask most wine lovers about Hungary and they will come up with two names: Bull’s Blood was known as a powerful, earthy full-bodied red and Tokaji Aszú as one of the world’s legendary dessert wines.

There is much more to Hungary than these two wines. Various wine regions have been producing excellent wines for decades now, but we haven’t always seen them here in Ireland. That, thankfully, is starting to change. In general, Hungarians are willing to pay relatively high prices for their own wines, so there are not many inexpensive options; the flipside is that the quality is very high.

As well as being an important component in Tokaji, the indigenous furmint grape produces some excellent dry white wines that are receiving acclaim internationally. I give one example below. And if you haven’t tried the sweet Tokaji Aszú before, you are in for a treat. The Tokaji 5 Puttonyos provides a perfect balance of luscious sweet honeyed fruit and refreshing acidity.

Nowadays, Bull’s Blood goes under the name Egri Bikavér, Egri being the region, Bikavér Hungarian for Bull’s Blood. What was once a cheap bulk wine is now being taken seriously by some quality producers. There are some great wines, including the option below.

Why can’t I rely on my favourite wine always being on the shelves of the local supermarket?

Two blended wines from Aldi, including an orange option

Which wines go best with vegetarian or vegan food?

John Wilson’s wine picks for drinking any time, with any food or any company

I Heart Pinot Grigio, Hungary

10.5%, €8-€11

Light and refreshing with sweet peach fruits and good citrus acidity. A budget sipping wine to drink by itself or with snacks.

From Tesco; Molloys, various locations; SuperValu; CarryOut.ie; Castle Off-Licence, Tralee, Co Kerry

Disznókõ Dry Furmint 2024

13%, €21

Rich stone fruits and pineapples with a touch of honey and solid backbone of acidity. Try it with oysters, other shellfish and creamy dishes.

From Baggot Street Wines, Dublin 4; Barnhill Stores, Dalkey, Co Dublin; The Corkscrew, Dublin 2; D-Six Off Licence, Dublin 6

Böjt Egri Csillag 2024, Organic

14%, €25

Fresh herbal aromas with stylish rich nectarine and pineapple fruits, good mineral acidity and a lingering dry finish. Enjoy with richer fish dishes or white meats.

From BaRossa Wines, Dublin 4; Blackrock Cellar, Co Dublin; Delgany Wine Cottage, Co Wicklow; Lennox Street Grocer, Dublin 8; Lilith, Dublin 7; Pinto Wines, Dublin 9

Gál Tibor, Egri Bikavér Superior 2022, Hungary

14%, €25.95

A little tannic at first but opens out to reveal lovely, smooth concentrated plum and dark cherry fruits with a savoury edge. A modern quality Bull’s Blood to try with rich casseroles, including goulash.

From BaRossa Wines; Clontarf Wines, Dublin 3; The Corkscrew; Delgany Wine Cottage; Martins, Dublin 3; Pinto Wines; The Wine Grove, Castlebar, Co Mayo