Kadarka is a simple red wine made from the grape of the same name.

Kadarka is a light red wine popular in the Balkans. The name of the grape for making the drink depends on the country – in Bulgaria it is called Gamza, in southern Austria – Neusiedlersee, in Hungary – Cadarka. The variety was almost destroyed during the phylloxera epidemic, but is now cultivated in many parts of Central Europe, although it is considered very difficult to care for. The highest quality and famous wines from this grape are produced by Hungarian enterprises.

Historical information

Historians suggest that residents of the Balkans have been growing Kadarka since the XNUMXth century. In one of the recent studies, a hypothesis was put forward that the ancestors of the variety are the Hungarian Totica grape and the Turkish Papascara, which was cultivated in ancient times on the coast of the Sea of ​​Marmara and in the European part of Turkey. It is believed that the best vineyards are located in the vicinity of the Hungarian city of Minis, the first plantings appeared there in the middle of the XNUMXth century.

Kadarka is a simple red wine made from the grape of the same name.
Vineyard Kadarka in Bulgaria

Features of the variety

Kadarka grapes are a late-ripening variety, it ripens in late September – early October, the yield from one vine is 5-6 kg. The clusters are usually conical in shape and appear compact due to the small size of the berries covered with a dark waxy skin. Grapes are very sensitive to fungal diseases, if conditions are unfavorable, they begin to crack. The vines are planted in hilly areas with fertile and not too wet soils, and then carefully cultivated.

The sugar content in Kadarka is 19-21,8%, although in unfavorable years the figure may decrease, which brings a lot of trouble to farmers. In a good season, the grapes give the wine a noble ruby ​​color and a rich fruity bouquet, dominated by shades of raspberries and ripe cherries. Depending on the region, the ripening period and acidity of the berries varies, which is reflected in the final taste of the drink. From early grapes you can create white and rosé wines, from late – dessert. The best crops Kadarka gives in a warm autumn without heavy rains.

Kadarka is a simple red wine made from the grape of the same name.
Grapes Kadarka

Famous wines of Kadarka

Since the grapes are capricious and difficult to care for, truly outstanding wines are obtained only 2-3 times per decade. In Hungary, Kadarka is called the “wine of freedom”, and it is always present at festivals dedicated to the independence holiday.

In Bulgaria, wine made from Gamza grapes is credited with mystical properties – in ancient times it was believed that the drink gave strength and fearlessness to warriors who did not know defeat in battles. Currently, the country’s travel agencies offer tourists a wine tour, which is called Gamza. Traveling to Bulgarian wineries is popular with Scandinavians.

Kadarka is a simple red wine made from the grape of the same name.
characteristic color

Famous wine brands Kadarka in Russia

Most popular brands:

  • Kadarka Boranal, 11% – wine with a velvety structure and a rich bouquet, combining hints of fruit and spices. The manufacturer has been operating since 1989 and produces wines from its own vineyards in Tokai and the foothills of the Carpathians;
  • Heimann Kadarka, 13% – the brand is in demand in the USA and Europe, the company was founded by a descendant of a family of winemakers named Zoltan. Hungarian wine is distinguished by strong hints of pepper and licorice;
  • Markov Manastir Vranec Kadarka, 13% – wine produced by Skovin, operating in Macedonia since 1979. The company’s vineyards occupy more than 500 hectares, grape juice is separated using vacuum pumps. Most of the plant’s products are exported;
  • Vinal AD Kadarka – wine from Bulgaria with the aroma of berries and a rich fruity taste is produced by one of the oldest enterprises in the country, founded in 1947;
  • Kadarka Evpatoria – created from grapes of European varieties. Produces a factory of classic wines in Evpatoria. Semi-sweet and not too sugary wine with a grape taste is bottled in a Tetra Pak package.

How to drink Kadarka

Wine should be served chilled to 12-16 °C. Kadarka is ideal with Hungarian cuisine and goes well with spicy pork, roast duck, paprika and fish soup. Wine is served with Spanish paella, as well as jamon and parmesan.

Kadarka is a simple red wine made from the grape of the same name.

The wine is a gastronomic pair with grilled lamb and poultry, stew and Caesar salad with bacon.

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