Austria and Hungary unite for UK tasting

The Institute of Masters of Wine held Britain’s first ever Austro-Hungarian seminar and wine tasting earlier this week.

The wines, which included dry whites, Blaufränkisch reds and botrytised sweet wines, highlighted the characteristics shared by the two countries and the quality present in both.

The event, on Tuesday 12 October, was held at the Austrian ambassador’s residence in London and was introduced by His Excellency Mr Emil Brix, who said that holding a joint tasting was “an obvious choice because the similarities between the two countries go beyond wine – both belong to central Europe and we must look beyond political borders to understand what is good.”

He also added that the presence of wines from the House of Esterházy strengthened the link between Austria and Hungary as it has wineries in both countries.

Elizabeth Gabay MW, who chaired the tasting and seminar, added: “There are not many tastings you go to where two countries are showing equally and not in competition.”

She also said at the end of the event: “The tasting has shown how well the two categories have come together and it has been a joy working with the winemakers – there has not been an ounce of competition in putting this together.”

Three wine flights were presented at the embassy, including dry whites from Furmint, Harslevelu, Grüner Veltliner and Riesling; Blaufränkisch reds (Kékfrankos in Hungary), and botrytised whites from Tokaj-Hegyalja and Rust (Ruster Ausbruch).

Click here to watch an interview with Elizabeth Gabay MW at the event.

Patrick Schmitt, 14.10.2010