Tucked away in the heart of Hungary’s Eger wine region lies St. Andrea Winery, led by the legendary Dr. György Lőrincz, known as “Gyuri.”
Celebrated as one of Hungary’s finest winemakers and a recipient of numerous prestigious accolades, including both Winemaker of the Year and Winemakers’ Winemaker, Dr. Lőrincz brings a unique blend of passion and precision to every bottle.
Gyuri’s winemaking philosophy is deeply rooted in tradition, yet undeniably refined by his time spent in Burgundy. That Burgundian influence, focused on elegance, terroir expression, and balance is evident in both the reds and whites crafted at St. Andrea. Each wine is a testament to the volcanic soils and cool climate of Eger, telling a story of place with grace and clarity.
One of the most exciting expressions of this philosophy is the Bikavér, or “Bull’s Blood,” a historic Hungarian red blend centered around Kékfrankos (Blaufränkisch). Once somewhat overlooked, Bikavér is experiencing a renaissance, and winemakers like Dr. Lőrincz are leading the charge. When crafted with care, this blend sings, fruity, refined, and bursting with character.
A shining example is the 2016 Áldás Egri Bikavér, a wine of structure, depth, and real soul. It’s layered with aromas of ripe fruit, spice, and a touch of tobacco, inviting and complex. On the palate, it’s beautifully balanced, marrying fruit-forward notes with the signature minerality of Eger’s volcanic soils and the fresh acidity that comes from the region’s cool climate.
What makes this wine even more compelling is its composition: an intricate blend of eight grape varieties, Kékfrankos (33%), Merlot (28%), Cabernet Franc (18%), Pinot Noir (11%), Syrah (4%), Cabernet Sauvignon (3%), Kadarka (2%), and Turán (1%). This diversity creates a wine that’s not only powerful and age-worthy but also elegantly layered and unmistakably regional.
Tasting the 2016 Áldás is a reminder of what makes Hungarian wine so exciting right now. It’s bold yet refined, complex yet approachable, proof that St. Andrea and Dr. Lőrincz continue to set the gold standard in modern Hungarian winemaking.
''At the end of the day, you really can’t make a wrong choice.
As long as you pay attention to what it is that you don’t like about a wine
each bottle will get you closer to what you do like.
Take it one glass at a time!''