We often hear the classic remark: “It’ll be fine for a fröccs!” — especially when someone encounters a wine that's… well, not the best. As if soda water were some kind of magic potion that could mask every flaw. But is that really true? It’s worth digging a little deeper because – like so many things when it comes to wine – the fröccs is a much more exciting topic than it might seem at first glance.

A quick note: fröccs is the Hungarian name for a wine spritzer – a refreshing drink made by mixing wine with soda water in various proportions. It’s a beloved summertime favorite and a cultural classic.

A Summer Classic: Beer or Fröccs?

When summer hits, many people are torn between beer or a fröccs for a light, refreshing alcoholic drink. Which is better? That’s not for us to say — but at Match the Wine, we’re firmly on the fröccs side. There’s something special about it: light and social, yet still shaped by the quality of the wine and how it's made.

Not All Fröccs Are Created Equal

Because really, not every fröccs is the same. The difference starts with the type of wine — white or rosé? Then comes the ratio of wine to soda, the choice between soda water or mineral water, and even the kind of bubbles you prefer. Each of these details matters more than you'd think.

A Good Fröccs Starts with Good Wine

We believe a truly good fröccs can only come from good wine. Step one? Always taste the wine on its own. If it’s fresh, clean, expressive, and enjoyable by itself, it has real potential to become a great fröccs. But if the wine is flat, tired, or flawed, soda water won’t fix it — in fact, it’ll likely highlight the problems even more.

Freshness, Aroma, Zest

What makes a wine ideal for fröccs? Look for freshness, vibrant acidity, and aromatic expression. Fruit, flowers, green herbs – these are all characters that shine when mixed with bubbles. When it comes to vintage, go young: the newer the wine, the more lively and refreshing the fröccs. A 2- or 3-year-old white might already have lost its spark.

A Few Words About Grapes

Let’s get specific. Olaszrizling – a Hungarian favorite – is often a fantastic fröccs base thanks to its clean, straightforward fruitiness. Irsai Olivér with its floral lightness, or the spicy and bright Cserszegi Fűszeres also fit the fröccs style beautifully. Grüner Veltliner (Zöld Veltelini) and Sauvignon Blanc with their green, citrusy tones and zippy acidity are also top choices. And among rosés, Kékfrankos-based versions often bring juicy, fresh character perfect for summer sipping.

What Should Stay “On Its Own”

Of course, not all wines are fröccs material. Red wines, for example, don’t mix well with soda. The tannins and carbonation usually clash, creating an awkward, broken flavor. Similarly, fuller-bodied, oak-aged white wines — with their buttery textures, vanilla or toasted notes — are best enjoyed on their own. To dilute such depth with soda would be a shame. These are wines meant for slow dinners and deep conversations, not a quick summer spritz.

Soda or Mineral Water?

People often ask: soda or sparkling mineral water? When possible, go for classic soda water — especially from a traditional siphon bottle. The bubbles are stronger and livelier. Mineral water can have too much dissolved content, which can dull the wine. If soda isn’t available, choose a mineral water with high CO₂ content and always serve your fröccs well chilled.

A Short History of the Fröccs

Fröccs has roots going back to the 19th century. Legend has it that Ányos Jedlik introduced wine mixed with soda at András Fáy’s cellar in Fót. Originally, it was called a “spriccer”, but poet Mihály Vörösmarty suggested a Hungarian name – fröccs – and it stuck.

More Than a Drink — A Feeling

A good fröccs doesn’t just quench your thirst — it creates a mood. It brings people together. It tastes like summer. So explore, taste, experiment, and find your fröccs wine. Not just something that’s “good enough,” but something that brings real joy.

Fröccs 101: Classic Ratios & Names

Taste the wines that we also love to enjoy as fröccs:

White wine: Riczu - Siklósi Olaszrizling (2024)

Rosé wine: Dubicz - Mátrai Kékfrankos Rosé (2024)