Description
Leányka, 'little girl' or 'maiden', is an old white wine grape from the east of the Carpathian Basin; Hungarian sources place its origin in Transylvania or Moldavia. It was once very popular in Hungary, but its area has shrunk. Today it is grown mainly in the Eger, Mátra and Bükk districts of the cool Upper Hungary region, and it is part of the Egri Csillag blend. Whether it is the same as Romania's Fetească Albă is disputed. Its wines are soft and full, with a floral scent often likened to acacia blossom or nectar.
Characteristics
White wine grape; small to medium, shouldered, compact bunches; small, round, yellow-green berries with heavy bloom, turning pale brownish yellow when fully ripe; thin but chewy skin; juicy flesh; ripens September to early October depending on the year; vigorous; long-lived vines; good frost tolerance; prone to rot in wet weather; susceptible to downy and powdery mildew; moderate acidity
Growing Tips
Leányka grows vigorously and its vines live long, but its thin-skinned berries in tight bunches can rot within days in rainy weather, and its acidity is modest, so time the harvest carefully. It is susceptible to downy and powdery mildew, so plan regular spraying. It tolerates frost well, and limy soils help it keep more acidity, which is why such sites are favoured around Eger.