White Grape Varieties, White Wine Styles

There are currently 114 white grape varieties authorised or temporary authorised in Hungary, ranging from Aletta to Zöldveltelini. Proportionately, white grapes make up 70% of Hungary's vineyard area, that is 45,589 hectares. There are many unique, local varieties that are not grown anywhere else in the world. The varietal mix has undergone many changes, with resistant varieties gaining ground, while Cserszegi Fűszeres, Furmint and Olaszrizling are the most widely planted traditional white varieties. White varieties can be grouped in several ways. For example, distinction can be made between international and autochthonous, local varieties based on their parentage and origin. Wines made from white grapes can also be grouped organoleptically into neutral and aromatic categories with some overlap. Incidentally, the latter style is one of Hungary's strengths, as it boasts many special varieties.

Aletta
Aletta

Aletta

This is a resistant hybrid created in 1957 by Dr József Csizmazia Darab and László Bereznai by crossing Muscat Ottonel and Seyve Villard…

Arany Sárfehér

Its origin is unknown, although it is certainly a Hungarian variety. Its old name was Izsáki Sárfehér, which it probably got from the town…

Bianca
Bianca

Bianca

It was created in 1963 by József Csizmazia Darab and László Bereznai by crossing the hybrid Seyve-Villard and Bouvier. Its original name…

Budai Zöld
Budai Zöld

Budai Zöld

It is probably an ancient Hungarian variety, which ampelographers also mention with the name of Zöld Szőlő (Green Grape). Most literature…

Chardonnay
Chardonnay

Chardonnay

Its homeland is France, in particular Burgundy – the region between Dijon and Lyon. It was first mentioned in the 17th century. Its current…

Cirfandli
Cirfandli

Cirfandli

A variety that is certainly of Austrian origin, from the Thermenregion. It is likely to be a natural crossing between Roter Veltliner and…

Csabagyöngye
Csabagyöngye

Csabagyöngye

It was long thought that the variety was created by crossing Bronnertraube and Muscat Ottonel; however, recent research has refuted this…

Cserszegi Fűszeres
Cserszegi Fűszeres

Cserszegi Fűszeres

In 1960, grape breeder Dr Károly Bakonyi crossed Irsai Olivér and Gewürztraminer in Cserszegtomaj (between Keszthely and Hévíz), on the…

Egri Csillag

The Eger wine district's white blend, which could be characterised as the counterpart of Egri Bikavér. The choice of name is no accident, as…

Ezerjó
Ezerjó

Ezerjó

Once a very widespread, versatile Hungarian white grape variety, it was used to make various styles of wine, from dry to botrytised sweet…

Furmint
Furmint

Furmint

Most literature concurs that the variety's origins lie in Hungary, in the Tokaj wine region. The earliest records of it differ; it is…

Hárslevelű
Hárslevelű

Hárslevelű

An aromatic variety that yields excellent dry and sweet wines, it was first mentioned in the mid-1700s. It is of Hungarian origin, related…