Owner and winemaker János Márkvárt Jnr is passionate about Kadarka – and it shows. His juicy, light-bodied red hails from two vineyards – Sauli Valley and the Right Hermit – with the latter boasting 100-year-old vines. János lovingly coaxes the best fruit from these lower-yielding old vines located on steep, sun-drenched slopes. The result is a vibrant and spicy red that will compliment dishes like spicy Hungarian-style soup and stews.

All winegrowing and winemaking are managed by János and his family every step of the way. He believes nature knows best, so he tries to intervene as little as possible in the cellar to deliver a focused, fruit-forward, pure rendition of Kadarka.

The Szekszárdi Borvidék, located in southern Hungary, is one of the country’s most historic and highly regarded wine regions. Its climate is predominantly continental, with warm summers and cold winters, though it also benefits from Mediterranean influences that bring long, sunny autumns. These conditions favour the full ripening of red grape varieties, while the occasional risk of spring frost, summer drought, and unpredictable rainfall at harvest pose key challenges for growers.

The region’s soils are varied but dominated by loess, which is prized for its excellent drainage and ability to store heat, contributing to wines of richness and concentration. In some areas, clay and sandy deposits add diversity, while pockets of limestone enhance freshness and minerality.

Szekszárd is best known for its red wines, with Kékfrankos (Blaufränkisch) forming the backbone of production. It is often crafted into both varietal wines and blends, delivering spicy, vibrant, and structured styles. Kadarka, another historic local grape, thrives here too, producing lighter, perfumed reds with fine acidity. International varieties such as Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Syrah are also planted, often used in Bordeaux-style blends that show depth and ageing potential.

The wine styles range from elegant, fruit-driven reds to more powerful, oak-aged cuvées. Rosé and, to a lesser extent, white wines are also made, but the focus remains firmly on reds that reflect the region’s warmth and terroir.

The key growing areas are clustered around the town of Szekszárd itself, where gently rolling hills and south-facing slopes create ideal conditions for viticulture. Together, they form a region that combines tradition, quality, and a distinctive Hungarian identity.

Kadarka is an ancient red grape variety most closely associated with Hungary, where it has long played a central role in the country’s viticultural heritage. Thought to have originated in the Balkans, possibly in present-day Serbia or Bulgaria, it became widely planted across the Carpathian Basin during the Ottoman period and was historically the dominant grape in the famous Bikavér (Bull’s Blood) blend.

Viticulturally, Kadarka is a demanding variety. It ripens late and requires warm, sunny conditions to achieve full maturity. The thin skins of its grapes make it susceptible to rot and disease, particularly in humid vintages, while its naturally vigorous growth demands careful vineyard management to control yields and concentrate flavour.

Today, Hungary remains Kadarka’s heartland, with notable plantings in regions such as Szekszárd and Eger, where it produces distinctive varietal wines. Small plantings also survive in Romania, Serbia, and Bulgaria, as well as in some niche vineyards in Austria.

The wines themselves are typically light to medium-bodied with fine acidity and delicate tannins. Aromas often include red cherry, raspberry, rose petal, and subtle spice, sometimes with earthy or herbal undertones. In skilled hands, Kadarka yields elegant, perfumed wines with a lively freshness, offering an appealing alternative to more robust Central European reds.