The Horváthy family, who built the estate in the village of Rúbaň, was interested in many things besides classical agriculture such as growing and cultivating vegetables and fruits as well as viticulture. Their vineyards were located on the borders of the villages of Strekov, Rúbaň and Jasová. Even though the turbulent historical and economic events of the past centuries brought with them many changes, wine growing and wine making have survived, albeit in a somewhat modified form. To commemorate this more than two hundred and fifty-year old piece of history, we have established an ampelological collection (from the Greek: ampelos meaning grape and logos meaning science). Two excellent local wine breeders, András Korpás Sr and András Korpás Jr, who are also well renowned in the Czech Republic and Hungary, helped us a lot in creating this collection. The vineyards planted here cover the entire era of grapevine cultivation, starting with the ancient vineyards that contain more than a thousand-year-old varieties, through the traditional centuries-old grapevine varieties of the Carpathian Basin up to the new varieties of today. There is no other collection in the country today which is as extensive.
Visitors can learn about the characteristics, history and current status of each variety. They can have a taste of the grapes and even of the wine made from the grapes in this collection. In order to make the experience even more valuable, we would like to invite you to travel back in time to the 18th. century. By sampling the grapes and getting acquainted with these old local varieties, you can actually taste the wine that the founders of the estate drank at this very place two hundred and fifty years ago.
In the first and second row, you will find two very old varieties. They represent an ancient variety, dating back more than two thousand years.
The first variety comes from the times of the Roman Empire and its vast territories. Genetic tests have shown that almost all the current varieties can be traced back to it, making it a particularly aged variety indeed. Today, it can only be found in special collections. It used to be a very widespread, well yielding variety, and together with the Heunisch variety, it was used to give volume to the wine. The other varieties provided flavour, aroma and acidity. Until the 19th century, there were no varietal wines produced, but everything that had ripened was just processed together.
This one is very similar to the previous variety. Many use the same term for both, but they are not the same. Gouais Blanc is a grape from the eastern and central European part of the former Roman Empire, and its distribution at that time is also linked to this. Its role was the same as that of Gouais Blanc, which was to be a mass-produced, well yielding variety of grapes with which other varieties were blended to achieve the desired aroma and flavour. This variety was also found in the genes of modern grapevine varieties, and so it is another very old, ancient variety. It is also very rare and found only in special grapevine collections. Planted in this way and grown side by side, these two varieties are considered a rarity.
From the third row up to row number thirteen, we have old varieties pertaining to the Carpathian Basin, which nowadays are hardly grown anymore and are very rare.
This is the Beregi Rozsas variety, which comes from the Bereg region of the city Berehovo. It is a very attractive and durable variety used mainly for wine production. However, in the past, it was also used as table grapes, as it provides a constant yield and is resistant to diseases and pests. It also has a beautiful wonderfully pink colour, which is the colour of love and taste for lovers.
Budai Zöld (Green of Buda). This grapevine also produces excellent wine, but the grapes can rot very easily. For this reason, such varieties are often removed from the vineyard. Called Budai Zöld probably because it used to be grown in the Buda Hills. It ripens at later times. Unfortunately, it is susceptible to rot and, therefore, when it rains, it often starts to rot. Budai Zöld can shrivel under ideal weather conditions. However, there is always a very fine line between rotting.
Demjén is also a variety from the Tokaj wine region, related to Furmint, but it ripens earlier and does not rot. This variety is also found in the collection of the Korpás family, but only in very small quantities. Therefore, it is not used to produce varietal wines. It is considered a true rarity.
Another variety planted here is the Gohér. It is also an ancient variety. It was mentioned in the poems of the Hungarian poet Mihály Csokonai Vitéz, who was a poet of the Enlightenment, and so it must have been grown in our region as early as the 18th century. It is a relatively early ripening variety, rich in tannins, with female flowers, meaning it requires a pollinator variety nearby. However, this is not a problem with such or similar plantings of different varieties.
It can be seen that, in the past, there were also grape varieties with huge clusters. This one here has a female flower, but there is a Gyöngy Fehér with a male flower as well. The disadvantage of this variety is that it is very sensitive to weather and easily subject to rot.
We found the Hamuszőlő in a collection of varieties from the Carpathian Basin and we had it brought here from over there. There are some indications that it is of French origin. It is an offspring of the Gewürztraminer variety, and so basically it belongs to the western group, which usually has smaller and sweeter grapes. The eastern group is characterised more by table grapes with large grapes.
Juhfark is a variety of very high quality. Unfortunately, it also rots easily and is demanding in terms of moisture. It is a famous variety from the Somló Hill in Hungary, but it was also a staple variety in the village of Neszmély. It has hard grapes, very pleasant acidity and makes excellent wine. It is virile and fiery. It is said to be the wine for your wedding night. This old variety almost died out in the past, but today it is very popular again and many people like to cultivate it.
Királyszőlő is basically a Transylvanian variety. It is one of the parents of the Rózsamáli grape variety. It has a pleasant, sweet taste and is related to the Mézes Fehér – Margitszőlő variety in the Korpás family collection. In addition, it tends to shrivel. Experts believe that it would be very suitable for cultivation in the wine-growing region of Strekov. It has a wonderful sounding name a great taste at the same time.
This is a variety from the area of present-day Georgia. It is the oldest wine-growing and wine-making area and these grape varieties usually come from this region. When people migrated, they brought them along. The added value of this grape stems from the fact that it has a root system resistant to grape aphids, which is a very interesting characteristic as far as genetic breeding is considered.
Another very interesting variety. According to modern research, it is a cross between Furmint and Beregi Rózsás. However, it is not the result of deliberate breeding. For a long time, it was not known how this variety came to be. It might have happened that the people who cultivated grapes in this area allowed some seeds to get scattered here and there and then they grew by chance into a new variety of grapevine. They tasted its fruit, and if they liked it, they propagated it. Many new varieties used to be created in this way.
This variety is now almost completely extinct and considered very rare. It is found almost exclusively in these special collections.
From the fourteenth row to the thirty-seventh row, or in the 54th row, there are contemporary varieties of white grapes which are more or less well known to the general public. On the one side, you can see the old varieties. On the other side, you will see the new varieties.
Devín was certified by the state in 1997, which is also thanks to András Korpás Sr. It is a variety that is the result of a research institute and this region has also contributed to the success of this variety. Devín is fragrant and has the characteristic features of Gewürztraminer, but it is a little more acidic. At the same time, it is extremely susceptible to rotting, more than any other variety. If it is a pleasant autumn and the weather is good, the grapes may shrivel.
According to experts, the Riesling Ritual variety could also be made into a local variety. By the way, it is a hybrid from the Welschriesling. It is well known that the Svojsen variety can produce good wine even when the year isn’t as plentiful. This variety, Riesling Ritual, can do the same and is relatively easy to process. Its level of acidity is remarkable, its pH value is low and there is no need to add much sulfur to the wine during processing. The wine essentially develops it itself.
This variety is also from the Tokaj wine region, and it was bred right there. The purpose was to breed a variety that would lead to earlier shrivelling. It is named after an ancient tribe. It is a result of crossbreeding the varieties Lipovina and Bouvier. The ancestor of Lipovina is the Furmint variety, and Bouvier comes from Muscat Blanc. Therefore, Kabar contains all three old varieties from the Tokaj wine region. It is a new and promising variety.
Gewürztraminer 2K is a new clone of a traditional variety. This means that we have emphasised the best qualities of the old grapevine. Old varieties tend to deteriorate over time, but if the breeder thinks they are worth preserving, they will select those shoots that are beautiful, healthy, better growing, tastier fruit, etc. and propagate them. It is, therefore, a clone of the Gewürztraminer variety. 2K means that, compared to the original Gewürztraminer, this one ripens earlier.
Gewürztraminer 2 is a new clone of a traditional variety. This means that we have emphasised the best qualities of the old grapevine. Old varieties tend to deteriorate over time, but if the breeder thinks they are worth preserving, they will select those shoots that are beautiful, healthy, better growing, tastier fruit, etc. and propagate them.
Gewürztraminer 3 is a new clone of a traditional variety. This means that we have emphasised the best qualities of the old grapevine. Old varieties tend to deteriorate over time, but if the breeder thinks they are worth preserving, they will select those shoots that are beautiful, healthy, better growing, tastier fruit, etc. and propagate them. These are, therefore, clones of the Gewürztraminer variety.
This is Pinot Blanc or Pinot Bianco, which is the ancestor of Chardonnay and, according to current genetic research, is also descended from Gewürztraminer. All we know for sure is that Gewürztraminer and Pinot are related, but there is some doubt as to which is the older variety.
Next in line is Pinot Gris, which is essentially a mutation of Pinot Blanc or Pinot Noir.
Next to Pinot Gris we have planted the Chardonnay itself, the successor of the Heunisch Weiss variety that starts off this collection. This was crossbred with one of the Pinot varieties (Noir, Blanc or Gris) and thereby the ancient Chardonnay was born. It is also the most widespread variety in the world. The Heunisch Weiss brought acidity and more fruitiness, while the Pinot variety added a lovely bready, buttery character.
Next to Pinot Gris we have planted the Chardonnay itself, the successor of the Heunisch Weiss variety that starts off this collection. This was crossbred with one of the Pinot varieties (Noir, Blanc or Gris) and thereby the ancient Chardonnay was born. It is also the most widespread variety in the world. The Heunisch Weiss brought acidity and more fruitiness, while the Pinot variety added a lovely bready, buttery character.
Grüner Veltliner is a rewarding and good variety, although it hardly tolerates drought. However, it has a very good yield. It is noticeable that it now has smaller grapes than usual, which is due to the drier weather this time of the year. This variety is not just good for making wine, but it can also be a very pleasant tasting table grape. A rewarding and good variety.
Pálava was bred in Moravia. Although the Gewürztraminer produces good wine, the aim was to have a better yield, and so it was crossbred with the Müller-Thurgau variety. It was the first Czechoslovak variety ever bred. It is especially popular in the Czech Republic, but there are also large vineyards with this variety in Slovakia and many people have grown to love it here as well. The grapes have thicker skins like the Gewürztraminer, but it is susceptible to powdery mildew. It can be compared to the Milia variety, which is the result of a reversed crossbreeding. Pálava is more similar to Gewürztraminer, but it is more acidic. While Milia is fruitier and juicier.
Cserszegi Fűszeres is also a new variety, and a Hungarian one at that. It was bred by Károly Bakonyi in the village of Cserszegtomaj, hence the name Cserszegi. This village is located near Lake Balaton, next to the town of Keszthely.
From the twenty-eighth to the thirty-first row, visitors can perceive what it takes to be a Riesling breeder. There are four similar but different clones and everyone can choose the one in which they see the greatest imagination and future prospects. Vine breeders usually achieve an evaluable result in 20-25 years.
The next ones are Riesling clones from Germany. This one is called Riesling 237 GM and it is a clone that ripens earlier. It is important to know that it thrives best and its variability is richest when it is on home turf. That is where it can be best sorted and selected. The abbreviation GM stands for the town of Geisenheim, where the breeding station of the Rhine wine area is located. Riesling is an October variety in terms of ripening.
This clone of Riesling ripens at a later time. It is important to know that it thrives best and its variability is the richest when it is on home turf. That is where it can be best sorted and selected. The abbreviation GM stands for the town of Geisenheim, where the breeding station of the Rhine wine area is located. Riesling is an October variety in terms of ripening.
It is important to know that it thrives best and its variability is the richest when it is on home turf. That is where it can be best sorted and selected. The abbreviation GM stands for the town of Geisenheim, where the breeding station of the Rhine wine area is located. The GM clone with the code number 239 is the most widespread clone of Riesling. Riesling wines are simply great.
It is a Moravian clone from the town of Polešovice. Interestingly, it is a Riesling of the Bzenecká Lipka type. That is where this yellowish, richer-tasting variety was developed, which also ripens differently from its original German counterpart. That one is more of a raw material for dry wine, while the Korpás – Polešovice clone can sometimes be semi-sweet or even sweet. It is named Korpás because Ondrej Korpás Sr. brought it here and continued to breed this variety here. The raw material came from the village of Polešovice where the selection also took place.
From the thirty-second row to the thirty-ninth row, there are planted varieties that are already mature and registered as new varieties. This is due to the work of breeders.
It is a traditional variety in our area, but at the same time its leaves show that it is sensitive to magnesium deficiency. It does well in areas with volcanic soils, and the Welschriesling from Badacsony, for example, is deservedly famous. Welschriesling is also a staple variety in the wine-growing region of Strekov and it is one of the five most fruit-bearing varieties. It is widespread, produces a large yield and it is a good wine even when the temperature reaches only about fifteen or eighteen degrees. Anyone who prefers the bitter taste of almonds will be very satisfied.
Another variety is called the Pesecká Leánka, or rather Királyleányka, as mentioned in various records. The name Pesecká Leánka is popular only in these parts. The Romanian name Fetească Regală mentioned in the list, which comes from Transylvania is said to be a descendant of the Leányka. It is a vigorous growing, good tasting, beautiful and succulent variety.
Viognier is a variety from France that has recently become a very fashionable. It comes from the valley of the Rhône river in south-eastern France. Nowadays, many are looking for old varieties like the Viognier. An interesting, yellow apple, apricot and pineapple variety with a very rich flavour.
Here, we have a hybrid of Muškát Moravský, Muscat Ottonel and Prachttraube. It resulted from the efforts of Mr Skřivánek who is a breeder from the Prague suburb of Holešovice. This variety ripens early with a slightly different taste compared to Irsai Olivér. Irsai Olivér is more perfumed and this Muscat is more like elderflower. For those who like this taste, it is very recommended. It is a high-yielding variety, but very sensitive to mites, for example. This is not good news for those who are considering ecological wine-growing. Varieties of more ancient origins, which are more resistant to mites, have an advantage in this respect.
The next variety is named Svojsen, which is the flagship of Château Rúbaň and a very successful variety at that. Interestingly, this hybrid is the result of crossbreeding three varieties of very good quality, namely Pinot gris, Leánka and Riesling. The variety Svojsen has managed to combine the advantages of all three varieties.
From the thirty-eighth row to the fortieth row, there are contemporary varieties of red wine that are more or less known to the general public. They are all new varieties.
Dunaj is an early variety, and a new variety that holds many good qualities. It is a hybrid from crossbreeding three varieties, namely Muscat Bouschet, Blauer Portugieser and St. Laurent. The Blauer Portugieser is an early variety, as is the St. Laurent. It is this characteristic that the Dunaj inherited. The variety accumulates sugar well, and it is almost always ripe by the last third of September. It produces a plentiful harvest, but compared to, for example, the world famous Cabernet Sauvignon, it does not last long on the vine once it has ripened. In favourable weather, it may even shrivel. The Korpás breeding station continues to breed the Dunaj variety and their aim is to extend its many good qualities – early ripening, plentiful yields, distinctive colour, etc. – with the noble character of the great French varieties. The project is referred to as the Lavina (avalanche) project and they want to prove that the result of the breeding will sweep all previous results off the table.
The next variety is Hron. This variety is the result of breeders who are also researchers and that have crossbred Castets and Abouriou noir. In our conditions, Hron has become an October variety. Castets is a lesser known variety from the Bordeaux region. The second variety comes from Australia, which was once popular but has now fallen out of fashion.
Nitria is a sibling of Hron. It is now a state-certified variety and Château Rúbaň has already used it to produce a special rosé wine.
With the exception of rows 44 to 45 and row 54, from the forty-first row onwards, these grapevines are the result of a pure breeding process at a very high level. These varieties still rarely have a name (mainly those towards the end of the selection process, after 15-20 years). Their designations are mostly just a combination of letters and numbers so that breeders can identify them.
Dárius is a very promising variety from the Lavina (avalanche) project.
DM 4-1-6 is the result of reversed crossbreeding of Dunaj and Merlot. It looks a little bit weaker, but it might just be because of the soil.
Torysa is a colouring grape. Its yield is not as big, but perhaps it will benefit from this planting method (in a staked vineyard).
Rosa, a rose-scented variety, low-yielding but fragrant. It has a distinctive tannin flavour, an excellent variety that requires long maturation and has a strong colouring juice. You have to be careful, however, because it stains everything.
DM 4-1-3 is a newer hybrid of Dunaj and Merlot. It has apparently inherited a susceptibility to powdery mildew from the Dunaj, and so it is unlikely to be looked into further.
DM 4-1-3 is a newer hybrid of Dunaj and Merlot. It has apparently inherited a susceptibility to powdery mildew from the Dunaj, and so it is unlikely to be looked into further.
CDF 5-1-5 is a cross between Cabernet Franc and Dunaj. It has a long finish and, interestingly, the grapes are not as clumped up together, making them more resistant to Peronospora.
CDF 5-3-1, it is a sibling of the previous variety, and so visitors can decide for themselves which variety is tastier, all around better and immediately experience the differences.
CDF 5-3-8, for example, is another variety that Ondrej Korpás likes very much. It has nice clusters. If it wasn’t so susceptible to rot, it would be excellent. We’ll see.
MD 10-16-5 is also a cross of Merlot with Dunaj, the opposite of Dárius. That one is a cross of Dunaj with Merlot, and so they are siblings. It grows vigorously, but is also well yielding, quite rich and delivers a lot of wine.
DM 4-6-8 is also plentiful, without rot, and only its leaves turn red.
Danubius is already a registered variety that produces a stable, good and tasty wine. A variety resulting from complex crossbreeding and research that ripens at later times, has got good colour, but noticeably contains tannin acid. This is basically a variety from before the Lavina (avalanche project), but now it is a part of it. Its harvest period is very short. It rots very quickly if harvested late. It is suitable for the production of dry wine, but great care must be taken with the time of harvest.
Roussanne is a French variety that we imported from the city of Pécs. It is a world class variety. Let’s see what it can bring here. By the way, its name means rusty and it looks like that too.
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