Olaszrizling is the same grape as Austria’s Welschriesling, although examples from Hungary tend to have more body than their Austrian counterparts due to Hungary’s warmer climate – it produced in Somlo, Pannonhalma and Eger is particularly prized. It responds well to aging in oak and has a unique bitter almond character. Olaszrizling was widely planted throughout Central and Eastern Europe under Communism due to its high yields, and it remains Hungary’s most planted white grape, despite being introduced to the country less than a century ago. Despite the name it has no link to the Riesling grape of Germany.