Its origin is unknown, although it is certainly a Hungarian variety. Its old name was Izsáki Sárfehér, which it probably got from the town of Izsák in Bács-Kiskun County. The word Izsák, which refers specifically to a geographical location, had to be dropped in 2000. However, an elegant solution was found in 2006 when the grapes themselves were, so to speak, protected. This means that Arany Sárfehér produced in Izsák and the surrounding villages can use the PDO Izsáki Arany Sárfehér, as long as it complies with the product specification.
Other names for the variety include Németdinka and Fehérkadarka. The latter comes from vine-dresser József Szélesi, who selected the white mutation of the otherwise black grape from a Kadarka vineyard at the end of the 19th century. This explanation has, however, already been refuted by recent research.
There are also two hectares of the Sárfehér variety in Hungary today. However, this is a totally different variety, so the two should not be confused.
The variety has also proved successful in Germany, but it is most widely cultivated in Hungary, where it is grown on a total of 486 hectares, although it is essentially only found in the Kunság wine district.
The abovementioned protected origin wine, Izsáki Arany Sárfehér PDO, can only be made from the Arany Sárfehér variety. It may be made in both still and sparkling version and grapes must originate from a specific geographical area. This comprises the vineyards of Izsák and villages in the immediate vicinity, less than 400 hectares in total. The vines are mostly head-trained with short-spur pruning and planted in quartz-rich sandy soil.
The wines usually have medium to low alcohol and high, fresh acidity with rather neutral aromas and flavours. These properties also make it ideally suited for the production of sparkling wine, while its high acidity also makes it a popular component in blends.
Izsáki Arany Sárfehér PDO wines are generally pale straw in colour with discreet fruitiness, notes of quince and restrained floral tones. They may be either dry or off-dry with high acidity, light body and low alcohol. They are usually fresh, light white wines designed for early consumption.