Olívia, a “pop icon”

Leading Kunság winery has released many of their 2025 vintage wines, among others with Olívia, a white blend. The juicy, crispy, refreshing aromatic wine is a true favourite of Frittmann fans, a pop star. Not like the provocative Lady Gaga or the sexy Shakira, more like the golden voiced Ariana Grande or the lovable, “one-of-us” Taylor Swift. A blend of Irsai Olivér and Generosa at around only 4.5 EUR in retail!

 

Blending two crosses

Frittmann is a family winery founded by two brothers. János Frittmann was awarded Winemaker of the Year in 2007 and in 2015 the winery was chosen Winery of the Year. Besides the owners, the two brothers, the wives also participate in the management, they run the guest house and the catering of the estate. Both couples have a son, who are deeply involved in the life of the estate.
Irsai Olivér is an indigenous Hungarian grape, a crossing between Pozsonyi Fehér and Csabagyöngye, whereas Generosa is a cross between Ezerjó and Piros Tramini (Savagnin Rose). Frittmann Winery first blended bottled Olívia on 2020, and within the past five years it has become more and more popular.

The Frittmanns about vintage 2025

“We finished the 2025 harvest season at the beginning of October. Despite the dry summer, it was an excellent vintage, the grapes were healthy, and we were able to harvest the bunches at the optimal time. We wanted to preserve the fruitiness, lightness, and vibrancy that characterize Frittmann wines, and we succeeded. The early varieties performed excellently once again, and they never disappoint us.”

Frittmann Olívia 2025

“Intense, floral notes complemented by citrus fruits, pear and peach. Charming palate, vibrant, lively structure with feather light body and lower alcohol. Serve it chilled at 9-10°C. Recommended to pair with poultry and fish dishes, salads and fruity desserts.”
Find it on Frittmann webshop
More about grapes of Hungary

An easy-to-make salty pancake with Olívia

Meat stuffed pancake with Frittmann Olívia

A recent article about Frittmann Generosa

Generosa: a generous young lady

Frittmann wines are available in several countries, for example in Poland (2Bratanki). If you can’t find an importer near your home, order Frittmann wines from Winelovers Webshop. They ship to every European country. Check shipment rates here.

Tasting and wine dinners of the Eger white blend in Hungary

Several restaurants and wine bars of Eger, Budapest and even one place of Veszprém offer Egri Csillag themed tastings and wine dinners this week, until 16 March. ‘Egri Csillag’ meaning ‘Eger Star’ is a refreshing white blend, ideal in springtime.

Torches and stars

The most famous wine of Eger wine region is undoubtedly the red blend called Egri Bikavér (also known as Bulls’ Blood, though nowadays the Hungarian term is preferred). When winemakers of Eger were looking for a name for the white counterpart in 2011, they agreed on Egri Csillag since it has two cultural references: Egri csillagok (plural) is the title of the most read Hungarian novel ever. And also, Eger has been an important trade route for centuries, and before the invention of electricity hundreds of torches were lit along the vineyards to mark the routes – they were often referred to as the “stars of Eger”.

This year 20 events await fans of the blend, just to mention a few:

– Zengő wine bar in Budapest offers 3 Egri Csillag wines by the glass
– Macok bistro in Eger has put Egri Csillag wines with matching dishes for this week, for example: Gál Tibor Egri Csillag and roulade of trout from
Szilvásvárad with porcini and celery salad, fennel cream with horse radish.
– Some wineries also have offers this week, Tóth Ferenc Winery is one of them with a great value Egri Csillag pack. The package includes a fresh, 2022 classicus wine, a superior wine from 2021 and some chocolate matching with the wines.

More Egri Csillag events (in Hungarian, but google can help)

 

The festival of the white blend of Eger kicks off the season

Eger with its medieval castle and its astonishing baroque city centre is one of the most beautiful places of Hungary. The weekend of 28 April to 1 May will serve as the the ideal time to visit, since winemakers present their latest vintage wines in the most popular, classic category in Dobó Square, the heart of the city.

Photos: Róbert Nemes

 

I must tell you, dear readers that Eger is my favourite middle size city in Hungary. I have my reasons: this is the place where I spent my college years, probably the most sensitive time of my life. I remember choosing the college: “let’s go to Eger, they have good wines” and so the decision was made and never regretted. I still adore the little cobblestone streets, the large park, the beautiful Turkish spa, the lovely walk from the student dormitory near the castle, the sleek Minaret, the restaurants, the bars, the atmosphere. So I can recommend this programme with my full heart!
If you accept my advice and participate, do not miss to taste Tóth Ferenc Egri Csillag 2021 (the estate manager, Katalin Tóth is on the right below). It is a blend of Leányka, Olaszrizling, Hárslevelű and Muscat Ottonel– 100%-of the grape varieties are from the Carpathian Basin. Base wines were fermented separately in stainless steel tanks, then fermented wines were blended and rested for a month. The winery recommends it with sea food, poultry dishes and salads. “Wine with a lemon tint. Fresh, crispy white fleshy fruit flavours and a slightly sweetish character make the wine fresh and exciting.” – Adél Bernáth-Ulcz chocolate and wine expert from CsokiLaBor.

‘Naparany’ – Wine of the Weeekend

Hungary’s market leading print wine magazine, VinCE featured premium white blends in its latest issue. The winner is Mária, a Chardonnay–Furmint blend by St Andrea Winery (Eger) at 10 900 HUF, while the second best wine is Naparany Cuvée 2016 by Béres Vineyard and Winery (Tokaj) at only 4000 HUF. The blend is an all time favourite of many wine connoisseurs, and it proved its merits again.

The Furmint–Hárslevelű blend has deeper golden colour – just like in its name. According to VinCE panel “the nose is developed with a hint of botrytis, pear, quince, peach and brioche. The palate is full bodied, still firm, well structured with vibrant acidity and a wide range of flavours. Creamy, silky, spicy yet refreshing wine with great balance and length.”

More about Béres Vineyard and Winery 

Values forever

The name of the wine, ‘Naparany’ means Gold of the Sun. The expression is taken from a renowned Hungarian poet, László Nagy. A poem written by him in the 70s was dedicated to senior doctor József Béres, founder of the winery. In the poem with the title ‘In the Foot- steps of Late Fools’ ‘Gold of the Sun’ was used as a synonym of values forever – and it ‘rhymes’ with the colour of this wine as well.(Original title: Elhúllt bolondok nyomán)

It is more than worth visiting the vineyard and the winery, taking a long stroll in the path around and enjoying a tasting on the terrace with breathtaking view.

Wine tourism at Béres

Béres wines are exported to several countries, but if you cannot find an importer near your home, you can still order Béres wines Winelovers Webshop. They ship to every European country.