It was long thought that the variety was created by crossing Bronnertraube and Muscat Ottonel; however, recent research has refuted this theory. In fact, it is the result of a cross between Madeleine Angevine and Muscat Fleur d'Oranger (also known as Hungarian Muscat).
It takes its name from Békéscsaba, because according to some suppositions, it was found here in some small gardens in the early 20th century. The story goes that an extremely famous breeder, Adolf Stark, created the variety from seeds he got from János Mathiász.
It buds and ripens very early and could perhaps lay claim to being one of the world's earliest ripening varieties. Hungary's first "new wines" are often made from this variety.
Csabagyöngye has also played an important role in the creation of many other varieties, such as Irsai Olivér.
Old records show that it is an extremely well-known variety thanks to it being both early ripening and a table grape. It is also mentioned in Russia, Romania, Bulgaria and Germany. However, it is not included in current international variety statistics, not even under any synonym.
There are 45 hectares of the variety in Hungary, essentially only in the Balatonboglár wine district.
It generally produces light, fresh, crisp, aromatic, Muscat-like wines if it is made as a monovarietal rather than in a blend. Its fruity, floral, perfumed notes are complemented by low alcohol, light body and relatively fresh acidity. It is often made in styles containing some residual sugar and is a frequent ingredient in blends. This early-ripening variety should definitely be drunk young too.