Know Your Grapes…
Let’s learn little bit more about Furmint while celebrating International Furmint Day on 1st of February.
Furmint is the most planted grape variety in Hungary. Also, you can see this variety growing in Slovenia, Croatia and Austria’s Burgenland. It is versatile, so it can result in dry- semi dry- sweet wines. Tokaj, the famous wine region in Hungary is home to world famous sweet wines with a history dating back to 13th century. Geographical suitability of the region, with misty mornings provided by the Tisza & Bodrog rivers and sunny afternoons, makes the area suitable for noble rot (botrytis) and Furmint is one of the main grape varieties of these luscious, delicious Aszu wines.. With all the pronounced aromas of tropical fruits, dried apricots, mango, orange marmalade, smoke, honey with high sugar levels and high acidity and with a lingering finish, no wonder this style was once one of the most important wines in the world, served at royal tables in many countries. Vinum Regum,Rex Vinorum.(Wine of Kings, King of Wines)
Dry wines of Furmint have high acidity, light to medium body and alcohol levels that can reach up to 14%. Apple, pear, lemon are generic aromas but with age they develop ginger & honey notes. Can produce youthful styles as well as wines suitable for ageing. Common to see fermentation/and or maturation in oak adding complexity to these wines.
Suggestions:
Why not try Oremus Mandolas from legendary Vega Sicila this February, to celebrate the Furmint Day!! This is a rich, ripe, dry white with aromas of lemon, peach and mineral character. On the palate the fruit flavours are married with notes of pain-grille and butterscotch.Produced with ripe grapes that are not affected by botrytis cinerea. Pairs perfectly to variety of food. try with white meat, seafood, sushi or cheeseboards.
Pajzos Tokaji Aszu 5 Puttonyos 2016; Golden, young Aszú with a supremely refined and complex tapestry of aromas; citrus and meadow flowers abound. The wine lover senses caramel, citrus and dried fruits, and white flowers on the palate with the discreet appearance of bergamot, candied orange, butter, caramel and almond notes from barrel aging. The typical minerality of Tokaji brings a slight saltiness to this drinkable wine thanks to its delightful acid. Elegance that promises to be a great wine with serious aging potential.
