The Return of Bull’s Blood: Hungary’s Legendary Red Reborn
For generations, the legend of “Bull’s Blood” has been one of Europe’s most storied wines—a symbol of Hungarian pride, resilience, and the noble vineyards of Eger. Known locally as Egri Bikavér, this blend once stood shoulder to shoulder with Europe’s great reds before nearly disappearing in the 20th century. Today, thanks to the extraordinary work of Gál Tibor and his family, this iconic wine is not only back—it’s better than ever.
The Gál family’s story is one of both history and rebirth. Founded by the late Tibor Gál, who made his mark as a winemaker at Ornellaia in Tuscany before returning home to revive his native Eger, the estate has become a symbol of modern Hungarian excellence. After Tibor’s untimely passing, his son—also named Tibor—has carried the torch with quiet determination, elevating Bikavér to new heights while remaining faithful to its roots.
The 2022 Egri Bikavér is a thrilling expression of that legacy: a blend of Kékfrankos, Kadarka, and other indigenous grapes grown on the volcanic soils surrounding Eger’s storied hillsides. It’s both fragrant and structured—aromatic with red berries, dried spice, and a whisper of smoke, yet supple and vibrant on the palate. Think of it as an Old World classic reborn: elegant, soulful, and unmistakably Hungarian.
To taste this wine is to taste history—centuries of tradition, nearly lost, now restored with precision and grace. Few wines in Europe carry such a sense of place, or such a moving story of revival. The 2022 Gál Tibor Egri Bikavér is not just “Bull’s Blood”—it’s the proud beating heart of Eger itself.
94 Points, Wine Enthusiast
Deep cherry red in the glass, this wine has a bouquet of cassis, dried thyme and aniseed. It is slightly spicy on the palate, with notes of clove, mint leaf and black pepper supporting blackberry, pomegranate and black olive paste flavors. Opulent tannins coat the tongue and gums and stick around for a while.