Chersegi – a characterful grape from the heart of the Carpathians

Chersegi – a rare grape with Carpathian roots

In western Ukraine, at the foot of the Carpathian Mountains, grows a special and little-known grape variety: Chersegi. With its delicate aroma and characteristic taste, this grape has become a hallmark of the region's wine tradition. It is worth noting that only the winemaker Chateau Chizay grows and makes wine from this grape in Ukraine - making it a truly exclusive addition to the European wine world.

 Chersegi Fűszeres, which is the grape's full name, was developed in Hungary in the 1960s by the vine breeder Károly Bakonyi, through a cross between Traminac (Traminer) and Irsai Olivér. The name comes from the village of Cserszeg , where the variety was first grown. Today, it thrives particularly well in the Carpathian macroterroir, where the climate and soil provide optimal conditions.

When Chateau Chizay established its vineyards in 2006, they wanted to combine classic European grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir with something more local and distinctive. Chersegi was chosen as an exciting complement – ​​and has since become an important part of the winery’s identity.

The grapes are grown in the Midianitsia and Mala Hora vineyards, where great emphasis is placed on quality-enhancing techniques. By limiting the yield of the vines, grapes with a more concentrated flavor and higher quality are obtained - a method used in many of Europe's best wine regions.

Visually, Chersegi is impressive: dense, golden clusters of grapes that light up the vineyards during harvest time. But it is especially the taste and aroma that make the variety a favorite among winemakers and connoisseurs alike: fresh floral notes, light spice and an acidic balance give the wines a clear and recognizable signature.

At Chateau Chizay, Chersegi is used to make a variety of wines – both fresh, still whites and elegant sparkling wines. It is a grape that allows for creativity and nuance, and every year gives the winemaker new opportunities to explore the full potential of the terroir.

Today, Chersegi has become a symbol of what Western Ukrainian winemaking can offer: distinctiveness, history and craftsmanship in beautiful unity.