Underdog Grape · Hungary

Kadarka

Pronounced kah-DAR-kah

If you love Pinot Noir but not its price, Kadarka is the light, spicy Hungarian red worth chasing. It gave Bull's Blood its backbone and rarely costs more than a mid-shelf bottle.

Tasting profile
Translucent ruby, cool red cherry, and a dusting of paprika-like spice over soft, powdery tannin.
Where it grows
Szekszárd, Hungary
Explore the Central Europe field guide
Where to buy
For specific bottles and where to buy them, read the deep dive.

Keep exploring

The region

Szekszárd, Hungary

Related underdogs

Kadarka: common questions

How do you pronounce Kadarka?
Kadarka is pronounced kah-DAR-kah.
Where does Kadarka come from?
Kadarka grows in Szekszárd, Hungary.
What does Kadarka taste like?
Expect red cherry, cranberry, paprika spice. Closest familiar reference: Pinot Noir with a peppery, paprika edge.
Read the deep diveKadarka: The Pale Hungarian Red That Drinks Like Pinot Noir

FREE DOWNLOAD

Get the Underdog Starter List

10 lesser-known bottles under $25 worth chasing — plus the weekly underdog read. No snobbery, just good wine.

Or peek at the list first →