WineLife365

From: Hungary

Price: $7.99

Hungary is known for two different types of wine that it produces. The best known of the two is called Tokaji, (which Americans pronounce “toe-kay”). Tokaji is a very sweet dessert wine that was prized by the Russian Tsars and is made in a style similiar to sherry.  The other well-known Hungarian wine is called Bull’s Blood.  Which is- you guessed it – a red wine.  The legend of the name “Bulls Blood” began in the small town of Eger, Hungary. 

The full story can be found at: http://www.bullsblood.com/, but here are some of the “highlights”: “The town of Eger made history when 2,000 soldiers led by Captain Istvan Dobo withstood a month-long siege of 150,000 Turkish troops back in the 1500’s. During the siege, the citizens of Eger opened their wine cellars and drank red wine to give them strength to fight off the Turks. The wine spilled over their beards and onto their armor, coloring them blood red.  As the citizens continued their fight against the invading Turks, word spread quickly that the Hungarians were drinking the blood of bulls to make themselves strong and fierce. The superstitious Turks were fearful and demoralized.  As a result, the siege was broken.”

Bulls Blood is not at all a bold or fierce red wine like you might envision it to be when you see its label containing an imposing black bull or learn about its storied history.  It’s actually a rather light and very simple red wine.

I give the 2004 Egri Bikaver Bull Blood 2 Stars – which is probably being generous.  However, the history behind this wine made me appreciate it probably more than I should.

WineLife365 Rating: 2-Star

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