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Kadarka
Kadarka is a native Hungarian variety. Prior to the 1960's Kadarka was one of the most popular grape varieties in Hungary, being represented in over one third of the growing regions. Today it is rarely found in large plantings.
Cultivation: Hungary is at the Northern limit of Kadarka's natural range Kadarka is sensitive to frost and during wet autumns it is especially prone to downey and powdery mildew. Kadarka needs warm south facing locations and stony reflective soils to counteract its lightness in colour and body; good weather also helps. Given all these shortcomings one might wonder why Kadarka held such popularity in former times. Perhaps the answer lies in Kadarka's low maintenance requirements and its high yields, indeed Kadarka has a tendency for over cropping.
Wine Style: Kadarka can produce a refreshing light wine, ideal for summer drinking, however to be truly satisfactory it must be grown in the right location and grown with attention to quality. The weather especially during the autumn can have a dramatic effect on quality.
Distribution: Kadarka is the traditional base wine for Bull's blood, being grown in both Eger and Szekszard. It is also grown in the Great Plains regions of Csongrad and Hajos Baja where it is suited to the sandy soils.