Everything About Harslevelu Grape
"HARSH-leh-veh-loo" 
Harslevelu Description
Origin: Hungary
History: Hárslevelű, meaning 'linden leaf' in Hungarian, is a white grape variety native to Hungary, particularly associated with the Tokaj wine region. It is known for its aromatic qualities and its contribution to both dry and sweet wines, including the famous Tokaji Aszú. Recent genetic analysis suggests that its parents were Furmint and a sibling of an obscure variety called Plantscher. The grape has been cultivated since at least the mid-18th century and is also grown in Slovakia, Romania, and other Central European countries.
Appearance: Medium-sized, loosely packed clusters of greenish-yellow berries.
Growing Traits: Hárslevelű is a late-ripening grape variety that requires warm climatic conditions to reach optimal maturity. It is high yielding and therefore needs good vineyard management to be at its best. The grape is susceptible to botrytis cinerea, making it ideal for producing botrytized dessert wines like Tokaji Aszú. Its thick skin provides some resistance to late autumn rains, and it is fairly resistant to drought conditions.
Food Pairing Hárslevelű's versatility in sweetness levels makes it suitable for a wide range of dishes. Dry versions pair well with poultry, veal, and dishes featuring herbs and spices, complementing the wine's floral and spicy notes. Sweet styles, such as Tokaji Aszú, are excellent with desserts like fruit tarts, crème brûlée, or blue cheeses, enhancing the wine's honeyed and apricot flavors.
Body
Sweetness
Tannin
Acidity
Alcohol
Medium-bodied with a rich and textured profile, offering a harmonious balance between fruit and acidity. Versatile in sweetness levels, ranging from dry to lusciously sweet, particularly in botrytized dessert wines like Tokaji Aszú. Negligible tannins, as it is a white wine variety, resulting in a smooth and clean finish. Moderate to high acidity, contributing to its freshness and aging potential. Moderate alcohol content, typically ranging between 12% and 14%, providing a balanced and approachable character.
Floral 
Honey 
Apricot 
Spices 
Linden Blossom Hárslevelű wines are characterized by floral aromas, notably linden blossom, accompanied by honeyed notes and flavors of apricot and peach. Spicy undertones, such as ginger or white pepper, add complexity. The moderate to high acidity provides freshness, while the rich texture contributes to a lingering finish. In sweet versions, particularly those affected by botrytis, the wines exhibit intensified honey and dried fruit flavors with remarkable depth and aging potential.
Regions
![[object Object] Region](/regions/hungary.png)
Hungary
•Tokaj-Hegyalja
•Eger
•Somló
![[object Object] Region](/regions/slovakia.png)
Slovakia
•Tokaj
![[object Object] Region](/regions/romania.png)
Romania
•Transylvania
Notable Wines and Producers
Tokaji Aszú
•Royal Tokaji
•Disznókő
•Oremus
Dry Hárslevelű
•Királyudvar
•Szepsy
•Barta Pince
Eger Hárslevelű
•St. Andrea Winery
•Kovács Nimród Winery
Harslevelu FAQ
Hungary
Harslevelu has a body level of 3 out of 5. Which means that Harslevelu is Moderate bodied.
Harslevelu has a dryness level of 2 out of 5. Which means that Harslevelu is Semi-Dry.
Hungary
Harslevelu is grown in Hungary (Tokaj-Hegyalja, Eger, Somló)Slovakia (Tokaj)Romania (Transylvania).
Hárslevelű wines are characterized by floral aromas, notably linden blossom, accompanied by honeyed notes and flavors of apricot and peach. Spicy undertones, such as ginger or white pepper, add complexity. The moderate to high acidity provides freshness, while the rich texture contributes to a lingering finish. In sweet versions, particularly those affected by botrytis, the wines exhibit intensified honey and dried fruit flavors with remarkable depth and aging potential.
Hárslevelű's versatility in sweetness levels makes it suitable for a wide range of dishes. Dry versions pair well with poultry, veal, and dishes featuring herbs and spices, complementing the wine's floral and spicy notes. Sweet styles, such as Tokaji Aszú, are excellent with desserts like fruit tarts, crème brûlée, or blue cheeses, enhancing the wine's honeyed and apricot flavors.
Hárslevelű wines are characterized by floral aromas, notably linden blossom, accompanied by honeyed notes and flavors of apricot and peach. Spicy undertones, such as ginger or white pepper, add complexity. The moderate to high acidity provides freshness, while the rich texture contributes to a lingering finish. In sweet versions, particularly those affected by botrytis, the wines exhibit intensified honey and dried fruit flavors with remarkable depth and aging potential.