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.
Pinot noir is an important red grape variety in Burgundy and Champagne, and its reputation is well known! Great wines such as the Domaine de la Romanée Conti elaborate their wines from this famous grape variety, and make it a great variety. When properly vinified, pinot noit produces red wines of great finesse, with a wide range of aromas depending on its advancement (fruit, undergrowth, leather). it is also the only red grape variety authorized in Alsace. Pinot Noir is not easily cultivated beyond our borders, although it has enjoyed some success in Oregon, the United States, Australia and New Zealand.
red wines from the region of Continental Region go well with generally quite well with dishes of beef, lamb or game (deer, venison) such as recipes of greek moussaka, lamb tagine with vegetables and sweet potatoes or ramen (noodle) soup.
On the nose in the region of Continental Region often reveals types of flavors of cherry, oaky or smoke and sometimes also flavors of minerality, red fruit or strawberries. In the mouth in the region of Continental Region is a powerful with a nice balance between acidity and tannins.
