The red grape variety originates from Hungary. The name literally means "Dohlen grape," where "Dohle" (the black bird) refers to the coloring of the almost black berries. Synonyms include Blauer Kleinhungar, Kleinschwarze, Scherkentraube, Schlehentraube, Schwarzer Veltliner (Austria); Magyarka Neagra (Romania); Aprofekete, Csóeka, Csóka, Csóka Szölö, Csókaszinue Szölö, Fekete Fajos, Fekete Magyarka, Gatsek, Hordokongato, Kék Elbai, Kis Fekete, Madarszölö, Rácfekete, Vadfekete, Zaczi (Hungary). The parentage is unknown.

The medium ripening grape variety is resistant to Botrytis, but susceptible to both powdery mildew types. It produces color-rich, spicy, fruity red wines with high alcohol content but low acidity, as well as soft tannins. The variety was once widespread in the Carpathian Basin. The grape, now endangered, is being cultivated again by a few producers and is permitted in areas such as Balatonmelléke, Eger, and Villány. In 2016, a cultivation area of two hectares was reported (Statistics Kym Anderson).
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Andreas Essl
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