Furmint is a white Hungarian grape, best known for its role in the production of the renowned dessert wine Tokaji. It is grown extensively in Hungary, Slovakia and Romania.The reuslting wines can be light, as well as full bodied and display a high acidity.
Furmint is a thick-skinned grape, producing wines of a golden colour. It has prominent aromas of honey and citrus, with some floral and stone fruit notes. On the palate, it is light to full-bodied and often has a hint of sweetness. The wines have a refreshing acidity and a medium to long finish.
Furmint is most prominently grown in Hungary, where it is used to make the famous Tokaji dessert wines. It is also grown in Austria, Slovakia and Romania, where it is used to make dry and semi-sweet white wines. Furmint is a high-yielding grape variety, producing wines of a high quality. The vines are best grown in cooler to moderate climates and require careful pruning and management to produce a good harvest. During winemaking, the grapes are usually fermented in oak barrels or in stainless steel tanks for lower quality wines. In Hungary, Furmint is used to produce the renowned Tokaji dessert wines. These are made from a blend of Furmint, Muscat and Hárslevelű grapes and are typically aged in oak barrels. In Slovakia, Furmint is used to make dry and semi-sweet white wines that are full-bodied and often have a hint of sweetness. In Romania, Furmint is used to make dry white wines that tend to be light and crisp. Furmint is a versatile grape variety and pairs well with a variety of dishes. It is a great match for seafood, particularly oysters and sushi, as well as spicy Asian dishes. It is also a good match for poultry and dishes with cream-based sauces.
Furmint is the main grape variety used in the production of the renowned Hungarian dessert wine Tokaji.
The wines are made from a blend of Furmint, Muscat and Hárslevelű grapes (+ some others) and are often aged in oak barrels for up to four years.