The Wine Reference🍷 SupportKadarka grape
Kadarka is a red grape known for red cherry, pepper, spice. Its best-known homes are Hungary.
Origin and history
Probably from the Balkans, perhaps around Lake Shkodër in Albania, and brought to Hungary by Serbs fleeing the Ottomans in the 16th–17th centuries.
Where it grows
Szekszárd, Eger and Villány in Hungary; Serbia's Vojvodina; Bulgaria (as Gamza); and parts of Romania.
Structure
Light to medium body, pale colour, soft tannins and fresh acidity: a delicate, Pinot-like red.
Aromas, young and aged
Young: red cherry, raspberry, sweet paprika, pepper and spice. With age: dried cherry, earth and gentle spice.
Ageing
Best within 2–6 years; top Szekszárd examples can age 10 years.
Also known as
Gamza (Bulgaria), Skadarka (Serbia).
Good to know
It was once Hungary's leading red and the backbone of Eger's Bikavér ('Bull's Blood'); after decades of decline it is now being revived.
Similar red grapes
Explore all grapes in the interactive guide
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