Everything About Kadarka Grape
"kah-DAR-kah" 
Kadarka Description
Origin: Balkans
History: Kadarka is a red grape variety with an uncertain origin, though it is most likely native to the Balkans and spread during Ottoman rule. It has a long history and is popular in Romania and Bulgaria, where it is known as Gamza. Kadarka was once a significant component of Hungary's Egri Bikavér (Bull's Blood) wines but has declined in Hungarian vineyards, being replaced by varieties like Kékfrankos and Portugieser. Despite its finicky nature, Kadarka remains an important red variety, especially in Hungary.
Appearance: Medium-sized clusters of dark blue to black grapes with thin, delicate skins.
Growing Traits: Kadarka is a late-ripening variety with thin skins, making it susceptible to noble rot and requiring careful vineyard management. Proper yield restriction is essential to produce quality, concentrated fruit. Due to these challenges, many plantings of Kadarka disappeared from Hungary throughout the 20th century.
Food Pairing Kadarka's light body and spicy character make it a versatile companion for various dishes. It pairs well with dishes seasoned with paprika, such as Hungarian goulash, and complements grilled poultry, charcuterie, and light pasta dishes. Its crispness also enhances the flavors of seafood and salads.
Body
Sweetness
Tannin
Acidity
Alcohol
Light to medium-bodied with a delicate structure, offering fresh acidity and low tannins. Typically dry, emphasizing its crisp and fresh character. Low tannin levels, contributing to a softer mouthfeel. Moderate to high acidity, providing balance and freshness to the wine. Moderate alcohol content, generally around 11-12%, making it approachable and easy-drinking.
Red Cherry 
Raspberry 
Spices 
Herbal Kadarka wines are characterized by delicate aromas of red cherries and raspberries, with subtle spicy and herbal notes. On the palate, they are light-bodied with low tannins and moderate to high acidity, making them approachable and suitable for early drinking.
Regions
![[object Object] Region](/regions/hungary.png)
Hungary
•Szekszárd
•Villány
•Eger
![[object Object] Region](/regions/romania.png)
Romania
•Banat
![[object Object] Region](/regions/bulgaria.png)
Bulgaria
•Danubian Plain
Notable Wines and Producers
St. Andrea Kadarka
•St. Andrea Winery
Heimann & Fiai Kadarka
•Heimann & Fiai
Balla Géza Kadarka
•Balla Géza Winery
Kadarka FAQ
Balkans
Kadarka has a body level of 2 out of 5. Which means that Kadarka is Moderate to Light bodied.
Kadarka has a dryness level of 1 out of 5. Which means that Kadarka is Dry.
Balkans
Kadarka is grown in Hungary (Szekszárd, Villány, Eger)Romania (Banat)Bulgaria (Danubian Plain).
Kadarka wines are characterized by delicate aromas of red cherries and raspberries, with subtle spicy and herbal notes. On the palate, they are light-bodied with low tannins and moderate to high acidity, making them approachable and suitable for early drinking.
Kadarka's light body and spicy character make it a versatile companion for various dishes. It pairs well with dishes seasoned with paprika, such as Hungarian goulash, and complements grilled poultry, charcuterie, and light pasta dishes. Its crispness also enhances the flavors of seafood and salads.
Kadarka wines are characterized by delicate aromas of red cherries and raspberries, with subtle spicy and herbal notes. On the palate, they are light-bodied with low tannins and moderate to high acidity, making them approachable and suitable for early drinking.