/PRNewswire/ Storica Wines, a Boston-based Armenian wine import, sales, and marketing company, announced today its distribution partnership with Massanois.
“A new generation in Tokaj, Eger and lesser known regions like Somlo and Badascony are transforming dry Furmint into one of the most exciting varieties in Europe today,” argues Keay.
When Wines of Hungary UK launched Furmint February in 2019, the versatile but under-appreciated Hungarian variety was put under the spotlight, with the UK trade discovering its appeal through a series of highly successful tastings and other on-trade initiatives. For me the tasting held at 67 Pall Mall was one of that year’s wine highlights.
Justin Keay (r) at Furmint February tasting, 67 Pall Mall, February 2019
One year on, WOH repeated the formula but Covid-19 was casting its grim shadow and winemakers and importers consequently failed to make the progress they’d hoped for in further boosting awareness. So how do you do Furmint February 2021 in the strange and unsettling new world that we find ourselves in – with physical tastings a no-no, restaurants closed until May and Brexit casting i
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.’
Scroll down to see award-winning Furmint wines and tasting notes
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.