Primarily grown in Tokaj, Furmint is the key grape variety for deliciously sweet Tokaji, but as Caroline Gilby MW – joint DWWA Regional Chair with Beth Willard for North, Central and Eastern Europe – states, ‘over recent years (Furmint) has quietly been building a reputation as a variety to watch: with multiple claims for joining the ranks of great white grapes.
‘Incredibly versatile, it has some similarities to Riesling – able to go from bone dry, crisp and vibrant all the way to intensely sweet, though always with its hallmark steely acidity.’
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Genetically related to both Riesling and Chardonnay, Furmint too shares some similarities with Chardonnay. It takes well to oak for more complex, textured examples and is capable of producing quality sparkling wines.