Hungary/Eger/matra">Mátra is a PDO wine region in Northern Central Hungary with Vineyards dotting the lower slopes of the Mátra mountain range, Part of the North Hungarian Mountains. The region is known for its Aromatic whites and, in smaller volumes, well structured red wines.
The proncipal white Grape varieties grown here are Rizlingzilváni, Chasselas, Muscat Ottonel, Olaszriesling (Welschriesling), Chardonnay, Irsay Oliver and Tramini (Traminer). Kékfrankos dominates red wine here, having usurped Kadarka.
Cabernet Sauvignon and Zweigelt also feature.
Situated close to the border with Slovakia, it is the westernmost viticultural district in a group of three with Bukk and Eger. As of 2019 there were 6,012 hectares (14,856 acres) of authorized varieties growing within the PDO borders, and about 7,500ha in all.
This makes Mátra the second largest PDO wine region in Hungary - behind Pannon but above Tokaj which had 5,618ha of approved vineyards in 2019.
Much of the output in Mátra is produced by large cooperative wineries such as Nagyréde.
The geology of the Mátra foothills is mainly volcanic, and most of the wine produced here is white. This is something it has in common with Rangen, Alsace's Grand Cru vineyard, where a similar portfolio of aromatic white varieties grow in black basalt-rich soils. Rangen and Mátra's main town, Gyöngyös, occupy precisely the same latitude (47.
Muscat Ottonel has the character of a grape variety with a distant lineage. It was first obtained in 1839 and continues to be planted in nearly 2,000 hectares of vineyards around the world. It shows good vigour and promises satisfactory production, of the order of 6 kilos per vine. The bunches, which are rather loose, are quite large, bearing berries with a strong character. A pleasantly musky flavour and a lot of juice characterize the pulp, protected by a medium skin. The bluish-black skin contributes to the exceptional beauty of the vineyards at harvest time. The size of the ellipsoidal berries is another argument in favor of Muscat Ottonel, which is also known as Muscat Ottone or Muscadet Ottonel. Resin, toast, honey and wild flowers are all present in the wines made from this variety. If the foliage, which turns yellow in autumn, is one of its charms, remember to protect the fruit from grey rot and coulure.
wines from the region of Continental Region go well with generally quite well with dishes of rich fish (salmon, tuna etc), shellfish or vegetarian such as recipes of italian tabbouleh, stuffed squid in the sétoise sauce or leek, goat cheese and bacon quiche.
On the nose in the region of Continental Region often reveals types of flavors of grapefruit, tobacco or black fruit and sometimes also flavors of raspberry, yeast or fresh strawberries.
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