The Eger wine region of Hungary is most famous for its red wines and among them the fiercely named "Bull's Blood". Winemakers of Tokaj and Eger began to move toward bringing attention to the fine white varieties they also produce.
One of the efforts in this project was the contest to name the "white pair" to the famous Bull's Blood. Of the 3150 entries received the name chosen for the new variety is Egri Csillag - or, the Star of Eger.
The name is quite clever as it has another meaning to Hungarians. Geza Gardonyi, the famous author moved to Eger in 1897, where he was inspired by history and wrote his novel The Stars of Eger (Egri Csillagok) of the Turkish invasion of the city of Eger and its fortress.
Tibor Gál was on hand Thursday at the wine shop on Dobo Square in Eger for the formal introduction and tasting of the Star of Eger produced by ten area wine cellars. He said that while the northern climate is perfect for producing the fine red wines Eger had long been famous for, they are now experienced enough to be able to guarantee equal quality of the white partner to appear on shelves (or cellars) annually.
According to Gál, in 2011 it is hoped that 70-80% of area wine producers will begin to bottle their own Star of Eger.
Source: Nepszava
