The harvest in Szekszárd started early: Irsai is already in the cellar, the rosé base is coming

According to Szekszárd winemaker Péter Mészáros, most of the harvest work is done by machine: manual work is expensive, and it is difficult to find labor for it. The Pinot Noir is expected to start being harvested in three weeks. The producers will continue with the Oporto, here too they mainly use mechanical methods.

Ernő Módos, Grand Master of the Alisca Wine Order, believes that the sugar levels are fine this year, but at the same time, special attention should be paid to the acids: the high heat accelerates the acid decomposition, which can jeopardize the balance of the wines.

József Rappay, the chief winemaker of Schieber Winery, highlighted the importance of Solaris: the resistant white grape requires little spraying, and it can be used to make a rich, higher-alcohol wine, which is mainly liked by older consumers. The picking of Solaris and Irsai has already been completed, while the market is increasingly turning towards light white and rosé wines.

The harvest of Irsai has also begun at the Danubiána Kft. site in Bonyhád; due to the variety’s fresh, fruity character, it is one of the surest points of the late summer–early autumn offer. This year’s harvest is expected to bring the quality of previous years, but climate change and changing rainfall conditions continue to require serious adaptation from the wine region’s producers.