Hilltop Borhotel És Étterem
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Aszar-Neszmely is a Hungarian wine-making region located in the northwestern part of the country north of Lake Balaton and close to the border with Slovakia. The history of the region dates back to the 19th century when the first vines were planted by the Esterhazy family who are considered to be the founders of modern viticulture in the area. The main grape varietals that are grown in Aszar-Neszmely are Chardonnay, Ezerjó, Irsai Olivér, Leányka, Olasz Rizling (Welschriesling), Rizlingszilváni (Müller-Thurgau), Sauvignon Blanc, Szürkebarat (Pinot Gris) and Füszeres Tramini (Gewürztraminer). These grapes are used to produce a wide range of excellent and full-bodied wines.
Find out about Wine Tasting & Tours in Aszar-Neszmely to enjoy if you visit the region.
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Wines from Rolling Hills of Aszar-Neszmely
Wineries to Visit in Aszar-Neszmely
Aszar-Neszmely is a Hungarian wine growing region that is situated in the northwest of the country, north of Lake Balaton and nearby to Slovakia. The fist vines of the region were planted in the 19th century by the Esterhazy family who are considered to be the founders of modern viticulture in the region. Today, they have a small winery called Hilltop which is named as the most modern winery in Hungary.
The vineyards of Aszar-Neszmely are planted on terroir that consists mainly of sandy soil and loess, over 1900 hectares of land. The main grape varietals that are grown are Chardonnay, Ezerjó, Irsai Olivér, Leányka, Olasz Rizling (Welschriesling), Rizlingszilváni (Müller-Thurgau), Sauvignon Blanc, Szürkebarat (Pinot Gris) and Füszeres Tramini (Gewürztraminer). These grapes are used to produce predominately white wines that are accentuated by their acidity, are full bodied and that have wonderful aging potential.
The climate of Aszar-Neszmely is influenced by the hilly nature of the region and by the warm currents that come from the plans of Kisalfold. It is also influenced by the Danube river which provides the region with a wet and cool climate. The sunny summer months experienced in the region give flavour to the grapes and allow for the production of wines that are rich in flavor and fragrance.
Soils of Aszar-Neszmely are largely made of brown forest soil that is formed on marsh and loess. This provides an excellent base for the vines and for the production of excellent quality wines.
Grape Varieties
Red: Cabernet Sauvignon
White: Chardonnay, Olaszrizling Ezerjó, Rizlingszilváni (Müller-Thurgau), Zöld Veltelini, Irsai Olivér, Cserszegi Fűszeres, Tramini, Muscat Ottonel
The Aszar-Neszmely region produces mainly white wines. These wines are of pure varietal character. They have an elegant acidity and are rich in aromas. The white wines are mainly produced for early consumption, within a year or two of being produced. They have freshness and fruitiness with medium alcohol levels and an elegant finish.
Currently Aszar-Neszmely is one of the most sought-after wine regions in Hungary. The wonderful acids and the fruitiness of the wine means that they are enjoyed by all wine lovers, even those with very specific palates.
You can also check out our interactive map of the Aszar-Neszmely Wine Region to discover wineries with open cellar doors.
The Hilltop Borhotel Es Etterem is one of the most popular wineries in Aszar-Neszmely thanks to its breathtaking views of the Danube River from the top of the hilltop. The winery has a restaurant and hotel and is also the perfect venue for wine tasting and private events.
Read more about Wineries in Aszar-Neszmely to visit.
The small village of Nagyigmand is a historical village that is most noted for its catholic church that was built in 1775. The village has a number of notable sites including the catholic church, the black obelisk net to the Calvinist Church, the hot water springs, the Heroes Monument in Heroes Square next to the council hall and the Memorial Park of World War II.
The Brigetio Thermal Baths are located in the city of Komarom and have existed since the time of the Romans. The temperature of the water is 62 degrees Celsius and it is known for its healing and relaxation properties for all who visit. The thermal water is rich in minerals and is used for the treatment of a number of medical conditions.
The Gyorgy Klapka Museum was established in the 1990s as a result of the excavations in the local area and the need to preserve the archaeological remains that were being found in the region. The main museum building was officially opened in 1996 and houses an exhibition room, visual displays, a nautical collection and the Roman Rock Collection.
Aszar-Neszmely is well known for its endless green rolling hills. This natural environment is wonderful for nature lovers. Thanks to this and the wonderfully warm climate of the region, Aszar-Neszmely is the perfect place to spend time in nature and relax while enjoying the excellent local wines.
The Neszmely Boatpark is the perfect place for water lovers. The park includes a motorboat port, a playground and a boat museum. When at the park there are a range of amenities to be enjoyed such as boat launching points, parking, bathrooms, dining establishments, boat ramps and picnic areas.
The magnificent Lake Oreg is located in the middle of the town of Tata. The natural environment at the lake is a wonder to see tanks to the adjacent wooded areas. The must-see sites at the lake are the Tata Castle and Esterhazy Palace which are both located on the lake shores and can be easily accessed either by water or road.
Bakony is a mountain range north of Lake Balaton in the Transdanubia region. The mountains of the range are made mainly of limestone and dolomite and they reach up to 700 meters high. Aszar-Neszmely is often referred to as the gateway to the Bakony mountains as it is the perfect place to begin exploring them. The mountains provide house of recreational activities for those who visit including trekking, hiking, and mountain biking.
The Turul Statue is a bronze statue from 1905 of a Turul which is a hawk like bird. Legend has it that the bird impregnated Emese, the grandmother of Arpad who was the chief military commander who led the Magyar tribes to the Carpathian Basin in AD 895. The statue is located on the east of the Hadsburg Steps at the entrance to the palace.
Aszar-Neszmely is known not only for its wonderful wines but also for the excellent local cuisine. The local foods of the region are made using the freshest ingredients and the area is home to a range of dining facilities that cater to even the fussiest eater.
Onion cottage cheese dumplings are a kind of noodle that are a signature dish of the Neszmely region. Instead of being made with flour, the noodles are made with cottage cheese. They are then eaten with fried bacon pieces, sauteed onions and topped with grated cheese and sour cream. The dish is then basked in the oven until the cheese melts and becomes golden brown.
Hungary is known for its excellent sausages that are packed full of flavor. The sausages can be either boiled, fresh, dried, or smoked and are flavored with different spices which can be either hot or mild. Hungarian sausages are enjoyed either as a snack or as a main course. They are also used to make a variety of dishes such as stews, soups, pastries, and salads.
Discover the locations of wineries in Neszmély
Just getting started on your wine journey, or jumping back in?
Taste through a selection of a great local wines.
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