In Hungary, there are 37 protected wine areas: 31 designated as Protected Designations of Origin (PDOs) and six as Protected Geographical Indications (PGIs). The 31 PDOs encompass all 22 wine regions of Hungary, which each carry PDO status, in addition to two larger geographical areas containing several PDOs within them, and seven specific sub-regions. The PGIs generally represent larger geographical zones that include multiple regions and sub-regions. An illustrative example is the Balaton PGI, which encompasses six regions, two sub-regions, and another PGI within its boundaries.

PDO wines are closely tied to their place of origin, with the majority of their quality attributes directly influenced by their specific terroir. The regulations governing these regions are comparatively strict, covering aspects such as planting density, fruit yields, permitted grape varieties, and aging requirements. The Hungarian term for PDO is “Oltalom alatt álló Eredetmegjelölés” (OEM). Notable Hungarian PDO regions include Villány, Eger, and Tokaj.

PGI wines, while also reflecting their geographic origin, do not have their quality solely dependent on it. The regulatory framework for PGIs is more lenient, mainly specifying the grapes' origin rather than detailed winemaking practices (such as vinification techniques or aging duration). The Hungarian designation for PGI is “Oltalom alatt Földrajzi Jelzés” (OFL). Examples of Hungarian PGI areas include Balaton, Duna-Tisza közé, and Zemplén.

Wines in the lowest category, simply labeled “Wine,” do not demonstrate any particular influence from their origin. The grapes for these wines can be sourced from any region in the country, and there are no strict regulations governing their production. In Hungary, these wines are straightforwardly labeled as “Bor” (wine) or “Magyar Bor” (Hungarian wine). Previously, such wines were referred to as “table wines.”

All protected PDO and PGI areas in Hungary are subject to ongoing review and oversight by the Hegyközségi Nemzeti Tanácsa (HNT) office, ensuring compliance with the designated standards and preserving the quality and reputation of Hungarian wines.

Vocabulary

Fehér - White

Rozé - Rosé

Vörös - Red