Irsai Oliver

This relatively recent Hungarian cross has rare leafage, big, loose clusters of grapes, and resistance to many vine diseases. The grapes ripen in August.

This type of wine can be compared to Pinot Grigio, but gives more fragrance, similar to Muscat. Its light, green-yellow color associates with a fragrance reminiscent of tropical fruits and lemon, and a low acidity level. Irsai Olivér alone is best drunk young, but is often improved by blending with a more structured variety.

Irsai is mostly planted in Hungary, although it appears in Moldova, Slovakia and Russia. The wine is popular in Central Europe, as an easy-going, true chilled summer wine. It goes well with less spicy Hungarian dishes, but it is more often drunk between meals, often with soda water (as fröccs i. e. Spritzer).