Riesling
It’s only Hungary where Riesling needs to be commented. It is the Rhine Riesling, not the Welsh-Riesling nor the Müller Thurgau, even if the Hungarian names sound similarly. Originally comes from Rhine Area and has namesake with the Welsh-Riesling, nothing more in common. It is the second best known white sort in the world; however it is mainly grown in Europe and more precisely in the northern wine growing regions. Best Riesling wines come from Alsace, Rhine, Mosel, Saar and Ruwer areas together with Nahe and the gardens along the River Main, as well as in Wachau and Krems. This sort might be the best and the most valuable vine-sort in the world, even if it is not the favorite above all.
Terroir is a crucial factor, since it is a very sensitive sort. Europe is is the home of the Riesling and it is not keen on moving out. In Hungary it gives the best yields in Badacsony and Mór, but also exists in Hajós-Baja, Etyek-Buda, Balatonfüred and Somló. There is only 2 hectares of Resling at our estate, rare to see crippled clusters here, even if it characterizes the sort elsewhere. It needs to be well-treated more times during the vegetation period.
Aceria erineus, a mite type hags the plant when it springs. It also needs protecting treatments against botrytis when it ripens. Then it only needs a nice long autumn and and tolerance and one must not lose faith too early in having a possibly good vintage. Normally picked in the second half of October. Average yield: 8-10 t/ha; and 19-21 Mm grade.
