Top 100 wines of Balaton - Page 5

Discovering the wine region of Balaton

Balatonboglar (South Balaton) is one of several wine regions on the shores of Lake Balaton, in the Transdanubia region of western Hungary. Lake Balaton is a Long, thin freshwater lake measuring almost 80 kilometers (50 miles) in Length, sometimes referred to as the 'Hungarian Sea. ' It is the largest lake in Central Europe and Hungary's most popular tourist destination. A wide portfolio of the popular, internationally recognized Grape varieties are grown here, including a number of the French classics.

Balatonboglar's Sparkling wines are increasingly successful, many of which are based on the classic Champagne recipe of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The region also produces a range of ripe, Fruity reds, mostly from Gamay, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Syrah grapes. Dry whites from Balatonboglar are likely to be based on Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris and Muscat Blanc, which are also popular on the western side of the lake. The lake also plays a vital role in moderating the Climate in western Hungary.

It is largely due to the presence of the lake (as well as Lake Neusiedl, or the Neusiedlersee) that high quality viticulture is possible here. Without the moderating influence of these two bodies of water, the climate would be more continental, with soaring summer temperatures and very cold winters. The significance of the lake is reflected in the fact that Balaton is referenced in many of the names of the regions, towns and villages in the area. The two other winemaking regions in the area are named Balatonfured-Csopa and Balaton Felvidek.