Budai Zöld

It is probably an ancient Hungarian variety, which ampelographers also mention with the name of Zöld Szőlő (Green Grape). Most literature, in reference to its name, presupposes its origin as Buda, since viticulture once flourished on the Buda side of Budapest in the surrounding hills. It is most likely that the variety found its way to the Balaton from here later.

There are only 6 hectares of the variety and these are essentially located on the northern shore of Lake Balaton. Badacsony, with 5 hectares, is home to the most serious plantings. Records show that phylloxera had already reached Buda's vineyards prior to the 1870s.

In Badacsony, it is has not only become a variety aiding pollination, but some producers also bottle Buda Zöld both in blends and as a monovarietal. Certainly, it feels right at home in the volcanic basalt soil and the temperate climate.

The variety generally produces fresh, light, simple white wines. These wines are characterised by notes of green and yellow apple, crisp acidity, light to medium body and alcohol. They are lean, lively, tight, dry, everyday wines. Their aromas are relatively neutral, somewhat like those produced by Kéknyelű.