Photo by VIVC - Vitis International Variety Catalogue
Description
Olaszrizling is the Hungarian name for Welschriesling, known as Graševina in Croatia and Riesling Italico in Italy. Despite the name it is not related to Riesling. Austrian variety research places its origin probably in northern Italy, with one parent from the Elbling family, while Hungarian writers have also suggested France. It is Hungary's most widely planted white wine grape, found in almost every wine region except Tokaj and especially around Lake Balaton. Its wines range from fresh, acidic styles to sweet late-harvest wines, often with a bitter-almond finish.
Characteristics
White wine grape; late budburst, flowering and ripening (late September to mid-October); medium-length, very dense cylindrical bunches with one to three wings; small round yellow-green berries of 1 to 2 g; soft, juicy, neutral flesh; very reliable fruit set; high yields; good winter frost resistance but poor recovery after spring frost; moderate downy mildew tolerance; susceptible to powdery mildew; good botrytis tolerance; wines often with a bitter-almond note
Growing Tips
Olaszrizling ripens late, so give it a warm, early-warming site where the grapes can finish ripening. Powdery mildew is its weak point, so make it the priority in your spray routine. It shows magnesium deficiency on poorly supplied soils, so watch the leaves and feed accordingly. It crops generously; do not let the vine overcrop if you want ripe, flavourful grapes in a cool autumn.