Irsai Olivér

Irsai Olivér
Grape (Vitis)
Irsai Olivér in a Moldovan vineyard.
Color of berry skin	Blanc
Species	Vitis vinifera
Origin	Hungary
Original pedigree	Pozsonyi × Perle von Csaba
Breeder	Pál Kocsis
Year of crossing	1930

Irsai Olivér is a Hungarian white table/wine variety, crossed between Pozsonyi and Pearl of Csaba in 1930. It is early ripening, with a distinctive Muscat character.

Irsai Oliver is a recent Hungarian cross-breed (between Hungarian grapes of “Pozsonyi White”and “Pearl of Csaba”). The grape has rare leafage, big, loose clusters and it is not sensitive against illnesses. It ripens in August.

As a table wine it can be compared to Pinot Grigio, but gives more fragrances similar to Muscat. The wine has a light, green-yellow color, fragrance of tropical fruits and lemon and it has a low acidity level. Irsai Oliver alone is best drunk young but it is often improved by blending with a more structured variety.

Irsai is mostly planted in Hungary, but it has some plantings also in Moldova, Slovakia and Russia. This wine is very popular in Central Europe, it is easy going, beloved, a true chilled lady´s summer-wine. It goes well with Hungarian dishes such chicken stew with cream and paprika, so called “Chicken Paprikas”.

Synonyms

Irsai Olivér is also known under the synonyms Aranyló, Aranyló Korai, Carola, Irchai Oliver, Irsai, Irsai Olivér Muskotály, Irshai Oliver, Karola, Korai Aranyló, Muscat Oliver, Muskat Irsai Oliver, Muskat Oliver, Olivér Irsai, Oliver Irsay, Zoeloetistii Rannii, Zolotisti Ranij, Zolotistyi Rannii, Zolotistyi Ranniy, Zolotistyj Rannij, and Zolotisztuej Rannij.^[1]

References