Meet the Frittmann team in the “Wine Square” of Szeged
Plus: some stunning harvest photos
As János Frittmann of Frittmann Winery commented in a recent interview, 2026 is probably the worst vintage in the past 50 years regarding quantity. As for quality, what is left, seems to be great and healthy, as the photos taken by the Frittmanns prove it (see photos below). Meet them in the city of Szeged, on 16–20 September, in the picturesque Dóm square!
Miserable and blessed times
Spring frost and hail, summer draught and the spreading disease called ‘grapevine flavescence dorée’ all add up to make winemakers’ life miserable. János Frittmann, who happens to be the president of the Hungarian National Council of the Wine Communities, claims that the crops of vintage 2026 is the worst in the past 40-50 years, especially in Kunság wine region, where the spring frost destroyed 50% of even more of the grapes in some places. Not to mention the decrease of consumption.
Yet, life goes on, the ripened grape has to be picked, there is no time to cry over the spilt milk – and though the quantity is behind the expected, the quality is great with healthy, beautiful bunches in the vineyard and by now mostly in the press and the vats. Frittmann team started this years’ harvest in the middle of August and it still goes on.
“Bor Tér” – the “Wine Square” event in Szeged
The city of Szeged is often dubbed as the city of sunshine, indeed, the south-east city of Hungary has a sunny, warm climate and buzzling life full of university students. The 14th “Wine square” promises to be another cool happening with many wineries from all over the country.
– Dates: 16–20 September, 2026, afternoons and evenings
– Venue: Dóm square, Szeged
– What happens? It is an outdoor event with mostly wine exhibitors along with some spirit booths (pálinka) and craft beer producers. Live music with different bands on the stage.
– Entrance is free, visitors pay for the drinks and food at the vendors.
– To see the list of exhibitors, click on this link, BORÁSZATOK means WINERIES.
More about the city of Szeged
A “text book” example
A Hungarian online wine magazine has published an article recently with great examples, what is more, “text book” manifestations of a certain grape variety. When it came to Irsai Olivér variety, the article names Frittmann Irsai Olivér. “Few Hungarian varieties have become super popular as quickly as Irsai Olivér. Fragrant, light, fresh and extremely lovable, it is often simplified as a “simple summer wine”. However, a well-made Irsai is much more than that. Frittmann Winery has been making Irsai Olivér for more than two decades, so it has had plenty of time to perfect its own style. On the characteristic quicksand soil of the Great Hungarian Plain, the variety develops particularly rich aromas, which this wine also perfectly demonstrates. Its intense grape, floral and citrus aromas, freshness and pure character clearly show why Irsai Olivér has become one of the best-known aromatic white grape varieties in the country.”
More about Frittmann Irsai Olivér
Meet the Frittmann team in the “Wine Square” of Szeged
The grapes are great and healthy, as the photos taken by the Frittmanns prove it. Meet them in the c
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