Kadarka wine: what you need to know, an overview of 5 brands + how and what to drink

Kadarka - light red wine made from the grape variety of the same name. It was grown throughout the Danube plain and was popular with famous composers such as Franz Liszt and the Pope. According to experts, it originates from Hungary, where it was once an important part of the red wine Eger or bull's blood. Some places of its origin are located near the Skadar Lake on the border of Albania and Montenegro.
The history of Kadarka
The origin of the variety is somewhat vague. It appeared in the Balkan-Pannonian region, possibly around Lake Skutari on the Montenegrin-Albanian border, when the Turkish variety Papazkarasi was crossed with the local Serbian variety Skadarsko. Later, it ended up in Hungary when Serbs, fleeing the Turks, migrated north, taking the grapes with them. Hungarians appropriated the vines, and by the XIX century 60% of the vineyards were given to them.

Kadarka Boranal, 11%
The main ingredient is the grape variety of the same name from the eastern part of Hungary. Only ripe berries are allowed for vinification. The wine is infused in stainless steel tanks. The temperature is closely monitored.
Producer
The company was founded in 1989. The farm is located in the Tokay region and the Carpathian foothills. Climate and special soil composition contribute to the gradual ripening of the fruit.
Products are manufactured on modernized equipment, all stages are under strict control of professionals. Quality is checked by microbiological tests in the laboratory owned by the company.
Boranal wines are known by consumers in more than 15 countries.
Features
Dark ruby color. Medium-bodied. Delicate fruity flavor. The bouquet reveals fruits and spices.
"Markov Manastir" Vranec, 13%
Produced from Kadarka and Vranac varieties. The vines are exposed to the sun 160-170 days a year at average annual temperatures of 12-14°C. They are protected from industrial pollution. Moderate humidity and Mediterranean climate increase sugar concentration and ensure the quality of the varieties.
Producer
Vineryskovin Group was founded in 1979, continuing the tradition of winemaking dating back to ancient Rome. This is how the population of Skopje got the opportunity to buy authentic home-made wine.
In 2001, the company was acquired by Fersped AD group and updated equipment and production technologies.
By 2020, 4 new markets were entered, such as Hong Kong, Poland, and China. The volume of exports is growing every year. Average production of 17 million liters per year.
Markov Manastir received gold awards at the wine competition in Hong Kong in 2001 and Bulgaria in 2012.
Features
Ruby color. Light. Rich fruity bouquet with a slight spiciness and sweetness. Smells like berries.
Bulgaria, 11% alcohol content
Based on Kadarka and Pamid varieties.
Producer
The company was founded in 1947 in the town of Lovech in the northern part of the central region of Bulgaria. The farm is one of the five best wine-growing areas in Bulgaria. Vines grow near the Danube River.
Annual sales volume is 8.5 million units of wine. There are three production lines. Up to 13 million liters of alcohol are stored under strict humidity and temperature conditions.
1/10 of the production is sold on the domestic market, the rest is exported to the CIS countries, including Europe, Asia, America, England and others.
Features
Bright ruby color. Moderately tart. Deep flavor with cherry and spicy notes. It has a characteristic varietal aroma of berries, wildflowers and light spiciness.
"Picnic" Kadarka Evpatoriyskaya, 11%.
Grapes are grown on the territory of Crimea. The wine is spicy and fruity, revealing its southern character.
Producer
Evpatoria Classic Winery has existed since 1928 and is one of the three oldest Crimean companies. Almost immediately after its foundation, the company acquired its own farm, reducing the imported wine materials.
In 2002, the plant underwent modernization and expansion of the raw material base. All stages of production are carefully controlled by qualified specialists. Natural ingredients are used, and the quality is always on top. The plant is engaged in both viticulture and bottling of the drink in containers and further export.
Features
Dark red. Light-bodied. Harmonious fruity wine with a red berry aroma and a mild aftertaste. Tart, slightly bitter. It is easy to drink.
Michel Schneider, 10.5%
Although the wine is German, the varieties are Macedonian. The second largest wine region in Germany, located on the slopes of the Palatinate Forest. Diverse climate and plenty of sunshine ensure high quality products.
Manufacturer
The history of Michel Schneider dates back to 1869. For 2020, the main principle of the company remains the production of only high-quality wine. The producer manages to combine traditions and modern trends. Products are known all over the world, 40% are exported to England.
The company owns its own vineyards. Only 1/5 of the wine materials come from other German regions. The character of the varieties creates a favorable climate and ideal soils.
The company is a part of Zimmermann-Graeff and Muller.
Features
Ruby. Pleasant, light and fruity. Red fruits in the aroma.
How and what to drink Kadarka wines with
Chill to 16-18 °C before serving. Serve with cheeses, spicy dishes of pork, chicken, duck, fish. Harmonizes with sweet desserts and fruits.
Update: 08.05.2020
Category: Wine and Vermouth