Winery - Grape varieties

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All 6 of the grape varieties allowed in the Tokaj-Hegyalja wine region can be found on the estate.

Furmint

The most important grape variety in the wine region, Furmint is grown over the largest area, some 60% of the total area of the estate.
Of unknown origin, the variety is probably native Tokaj-Hegyalja. The vine-stock of Furmint has strong growth, canes are stiff-standing, and leaves are less articulate with serrate edges. Its clusters are medium-sized, cylindrical; berries are round. It is a late variety, usually ripening in the second half of October, and a very good host of botrytis. Furmint is the dominant grape variety in Tokaj-Hegyalja. It is the major component of the Tokaj Aszú wine and Szamorodni. Its wine is averagely fragrant , full-bodied, fiery, robust. Matures well.

Hárslevelű (Linden Leaf)

Native to Hungary and the Carpathian Basin this is an old Tokaj-Hegyalja variety and the second most grown grape on the estate (20%). It too grows vigorously upwards; its leaves are emarginated and almost round. Long clusters are distinctively loose and cylindrical that ripen late. Also a good botrytis host, it dries easily on the vine and the grapes have a characteristic fragrance. Hárslevelű is sensitive to drought, powdery mildew, and mite and thus needs the appropriate location to thrive. With differing water requirements the Furmint is grown on the upper reaches, the Hárslevelű on the lower slopes. Its wine yields a distinctive taste with delicious lime flower honey and elderflower fragrance.

Sárga muskotály (10%) - Muscat Lunel

One of the first varieties mentioned. The vine grows not too intensively and canes grow horizontally. Grapes have a distinctive taste and aroma, acids remain attractive also when ripe. Sectional leaves with serrate edges. Its disease resistance is low, and develops best on deep layered, high nutrient soil with good water retention. Its wine has an exceptionally fruity fragrance, delightful fragrance and taste. If harvested on time the acids are light; first to be harvested on the Degenfeld estate.

Zéta (5%) (Oremus)

Created in 1951 as a cross between Bouvier and Furmint and permitted among the six in 1990. Remarkably early ripening as a good botrytis host. I t ripens in the second half of September, four to six weeks earlier than Furmint. Its clusters are medium-sized, domed and dense. We grow it at the estate primarily for its botrytis berries and thus we always harvest only the over-ripened shrivelled, botrytised berries. We rarely use wine made exclusively of this variety.

Kövérszőlő (2,5%)

Known as Fehérszőlő it was one of the oldest Tokaj-Hegyalja varieties, but following the phyloxera, it all but disappeared from production. Only a few years ago in 1998 was it state recognised. Vegetative, strong-growing variety. Particularly sensitive to rot, so it is best planted on windier areas. Frost and drought resistance high. Ripens 10-14 days earlier than Furmint. Plentiful and high quality botrytised grapes.

Kabar – Tarcal-10 (2,5%)

Created by plant improvement of Bouvier and Hárslevelű. Vigorous vine that resembles the Hárslevelű. Its leaves are bright green; its clusters are loose and long. Ripens at the same time as Zéta. Good sugar-producing ability with excellent botrytised berries.