Mátraalja is the wine growing region with the largest extension in Hungary. It extends in the north of Hungary over a strip of about 15 to 20 kilometres along the Mátra Mountains in an orientation from east to west, bordered by the rivers "Tarna" and "Zagyva". The total area is about 33,000 hectares, but only about 6,000 hectares are actually planted. Viticulture in the region can be traced back to the time of the Celts, but it is only mentioned in documents in 1040. As in other regions of Europe, it was mainly the monks who promoted viticulture here. The Tartar campaign in the 13th century destroyed the vineyards, villages and towns, and so much wood was subsequently felled for reconstruction, meaning more land was freed up for viticulture. In the second half of the 20th century, the gradual conversion of the vineyards to proper quality viticulture began. The climate is mild, with warm, dry summers and mild winters. The Mátra Mountains and the Carpathian mountain range have a particularly beneficial effect, keeping many rain clouds away from the region. The soils are of volcanic origin and are often interspersed with sandy soils. The top soil is mostly low calcareous brown earth or dark forest soil. The range of grape varieties is wide and includes many white as well as red varieties. The production is determined on the one hand by the large company "Nagyrédei Szölöskert", but also by many small family businesses.
