As my wife is wont to do, she recently brought home wine that neither she nor I had ever tried before and knew nothing about … from Hungary, no less. I’m glad she did, because it turned out to be a Hungarian stunner. 

First things first. What I know about Hungarian wines is pretty much limited to the famous Tokaji dessert wines. I’m not sure that I’ve ever tried Hungarian wine that wasn’t Tokaji. So this particular wine, called Pannonia ($10.56) was going to be something new. 

It’s from a region in Hungary called Dunántúl and it’s a white wine made from a blend of grapes: one very popular and one you’ve probably never heard of. Pannonia is made from Grüner Veltliner, which is widely known throughout the world, especially Austria, and another grape which is little known: Zenit. It’s an interesting blend, since Grüner Veltliner is usually spicy and in-your-face, while Zenit is fruity and floral. Together, those grape varieties really rock. 

Aged and fermented in stainless steel, Pannonia has citrusy flavors of lime and lemon, balanced by peach, apricot and green apple with a slightly peppery finish and solid acidity. It’s a very unique wine that is versatile and could be paired with a wide range of foods, from Wienerschnitzel to sushi. Pannonia is a delightful little excursion to Hungary.