The white grape variety originates from Hungary. The name means "lime leaf" and derives from the distantly similar leaf shape as well as from the aroma of the large, loose-berried grapes. Synonyms are Feuille de Tilleul (France); Lipolist, Lipolist Biyali (Croatia); Lämmerschwanz, Lindenblättrige, Lindener, Weißer Lämmerschwanz (Austria); Lipovina (Slovakia, Czech Republic); Budai Fehér, Budai Gohér, Harch Levelu, Hárslevele, Hárslevelu, Hársleveleue, Harst Levelyu, Hárzevelu, Kerekes, Kereklevelü, Tarpai, Teisor (Hungary). It must not be confused with the varieties Ezerjó (Budai Fehér, Kerekes), Hosszunyelü or Mézes Fe hér (Budai Fehér), despite seemingly suggestive synonyms or morphological similarities. According to the latest DNA analysis in 2013, it is a presumed natural cross between Furmint x unknown partner. However, this is based on only 20 DNA markers (see Molecular genetics). Hárslevelű was a crossing partner of the new varieties Conegliano, Ezerfürtű, Kabar, Lena, Úrréti and Zefír.
The late-ripening vine is sensitive to drought and frost, and susceptible to botrytis and powdery mildew. It produces extractive, spicy white wines with aromas of lime blossom and lime blossom honey. It is also popular as table grape. The variety occupies a total of 1,603 hectares in Hungary. Its susceptibility to botrytis makes it predestined for the famous Tokaj, in whose region it occupies around 1,100 hectares. The remaining quantity is located in the areas of Balatonfüred-Csopak, Eger (with white wine "Debröi Hárslevelü"), Somló and Villány. There are further stocks in Australia (1 ha), Romania, Slovakia, Austria and South Africa (14 ha). In 2016, a total of 1,618 hectares of vineyards were designated (Kym Anderson).
Source: Wine Grapes / J. Robinson, J. Harding, J. Vouillamoz / Penguin Books Ltd. 2012
Images: Ursula Brühl, Doris Schneider, Julius Kühn-Institut (JKI)
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Markus J. Eser
Weinakademiker und Herausgeber „Der Weinkalender“