On February 1st, wine enthusiasts unite to celebrate International Furmint Day, shining a spotlight on a grape variety that might be familiar in essence but perhaps not yet by name.
Furmint, a Hungarian gem, takes center stage as the primary grape variety for the renowned Tokaji (formerly Tokay) dessert wines. Its distinctive characteristics include very high acidity, a propensity for late ripening, allowing the accumulation of ample sugar, and a unique flavor profile. Notably, its susceptibility to noble rot presents a golden opportunity to craft long-lived wines with an unparalleled taste. Tokaji, often deemed an “immortal wine,” possesses the remarkable ability to age for extended periods, with century-old examples attesting to its enduring quality.
As you delve into the world of naturally sweet wines, Furmint stands out as a Hungarian icon. Its narrative intertwines with the legacy of Tokaji, a wine that has bestowed upon Hungary a rich oenophilic heritage. About 90% of Furmint vines thrive in Hungary, and while the grape’s origin holds a degree of mystery, genetic analyses strongly suggest its Hungarian roots.
In the picturesque Tokaj-Hegyalja wine region, the majority of Furmint vines flourish. Here, Furmint, often blended with Hárslevelű and Sárga Muskotály (Muscat Blanc), is meticulously crafted into the famous Tokaji dessert wine. Tokaji’s historical resonance spans the Middle Ages, with anecdotes rivaling even Champagne in richness. Tokaj pioneered the creation of dessert wines from botrytized grapes, preceding Rheingau by a century and Bordeaux’s famed Sauternes by two hundred years.
Slovakia proudly hosts its small but significant Tokaj region, a historical legacy from the time of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Once a unified region producing the famed dessert wine, Tokaj, it is now divided between Hungary and Slovakia, each asserting its right to the Tokaj name. In 2002, the vineyards of both nations gained recognition as a World Heritage Site, immortalized as the Tokaj Wine Region Historic Cultural Landscape.
Hungary, meanwhile, boasts another Furmint-specialized region named Solmo. Here, artisans craft dry, varietal Tokaj—a radiant, intricate wine with a subtle smokiness.
Beyond Hungary’s borders, Furmint finds a home in Austria and Slovenia, harkening back to the shared Austro-Hungarian heritage. Its presence extends to various Eastern European countries, South Africa, Australia, and the USA, creating a global footprint for this versatile grape.
As we raise a glass to honor Furmint on its designated day, consider indulging in Tokaj. Opt for the dessert variation if your palate craves sweetness or explore the dry counterpart for a sophisticated, nuanced experience. Cheers to Furmint’s rich journey across borders and its diverse expressions worldwide.
(Photo from Wikipedia)
