February 1st, 2025 was International Furmint Day. In fact the whole month of February is Furmint February, an idea introduced and promoted by Dániel Kézdy, author of Tokaj and its People and Vineyards. Furmint wines, indigenous to Tokaj (toe-kye), are produced in a variety of styles, ranging from bone dry to extremely sweet. While it is a grape that is susceptible to botrytis, its high acidity makes it excellent for the production of sweet wines. Yes, most recognize its stardom as a sweet wine, its Tokaji Aszú, that noble sweet wine, however, Furmint is increasingly being used to create fresh, fruity, mineral-tinged dry wines. Moreover, Furmint is also being produced as a sparkling wine. Though Furmint is not the most-planted variety, it is an important Hungarian grape to know. Besides the joy of learning about this grape, Furmint both creates and brings memories to our glasses.
Chateau Dereszla Wines © Spaswinefood
Ever since my very first introduction to Tokaj wines I have strived to learn more; so when I visited Tokaj last May it was, for me, a dream come true. I was so excited to visit the Tokaj wine region for the first time. The Tokaj Wine Region, which takes its name from the town of Tokaj, was established in 1737. It was the first wine region in the world to create an official vineyard classification. While the region is best known for its Tokaji Aszú, a noble sweet wine, it has also received attention for its sparkling and dry white wines. Since 2014 Tokaj's sweet wines have been categorized as Late Harvest, Szamorodni, and Aszú wines. While it has taken me some time to develop an understanding of Tokaj's Furmint wines, the journey has been amazing.
Tokaj Vineyard, Hungary May 2024 © Spaswinefood
Welcome to Tokaj Wine Country
I was excited to return to Hungary last May because it meant I would get to learn more of its Furmint wines. I was in Hungary for the 2024 Federation International of Wine Brotherhoods (FICB) International Wine Tasting and Rating Challenge, Hungary 23-28 May 2024. It was hosted this year by Pannonia Wine Sisterhood. The main program was held in Budapest, from May 23-May 26, 2024, followed by the extension program in Tokaj, from May 26-May 28, 2024. After the main program in Budapest off we went to explore Tokaj Wine Country.
Let's Toast to Furmint © Spaswinefood
My earlier Furmint explorations had included attending Master Classes at Rovinhud Wine Shows, and wine tastings during stopovers in Budapest. The result of these earlier efforts I developed insights into Hungary's best known wine region.
Learning about Furmint Wines © Spaswinefood
Last May our FICB group traveled from Budapest to Tokaj, stopping in Ager. We concluded the day at Tokaj's Wine Research Institute where we received an introduction to the region. That evening we met three of Tokaj's female winemakers: 1. Judith Bodó, Bott Winery,
2. Stephanie Berecz, Kikelet Tokaj, and
3. Sarolta Bárdos, Tokaj Nobilis
They introduced themselves, their winery, and shared their wines during dinner (see article). Stephanie Berecz, Sarolta Bárdos & Judith Bodó © Spaswinefood
Next day, we participated in the following four activities:
1-2. visited Oremus and Patricius wineries,
3. had lunch with Chateau Dereszla Wines and
4. concluded the day with Sezpsy Wines, which were introduced by Europe’s 2022 Winemaker of the Year, Ivan Sezpsy.
Our visit to Tokaj was simply amazing. I left with wonderful memories to add to my earlier Furmint introductions.
Memories of Furmint in My Glass
Vignette Christmas Eve 2020
Christmas Eve 2020 we opened a bottle of Erzsébet Winery, Estate Furmint, Tokaj 2015. These were the days when a glass of Furmint was such a pleasure. Fortunately for me, my shipment of Hungarian wines arrived in time for the Holiday Season that year. Since Furmint wines are high on my list they were amongst the wines I selected.
Hungarian Furmint Wines © Spaswinefood
Hungarian Dry Furmint Wines
In an earlier post I focused on three dry Furmint wines from Tokaj and one sparkling Furmint wine from the Kali Basin. Three of those dry Furmint wines were from the Tokaj Wine Region. While the region is best known for its Tokaji Aszú, a noble sweet wine, it is also receiving attention for its dry white wines. Let's take a peek at three of these dry wines.1. Erzsébet Winery, Estate Furmint, Tokaj 2015
2. Kvaszinger Winery, Estate Furmint, Tokaj 2016
Tokaj Furmint Wines © Spaswinefood
Two of the dry wines have Tokaj embossed on the bottle.
1. Erzsébet Winery, Estate Furmint, Tokaj 2015
Erzsébet Winery, Estate Furmint, Tokaj 2015 © Spaswinefood
The Erzsébet Winery, Estate Furmint, Tokaj 2015 is excellent and I would highly recommend it.
2. Kvaszinger Winery, Estate Furmint, Tokaj 2016
Kvaszinger Winery, Estate Furmint, Tokaj 2016 © Spaswinefood
Kvaszinger Winery, Estate Furmint, Tokaj 2016 is a blend of Furmint from their three vineyards (Hatalos, Meszes, and Új-Bukler). Kvaszinger family who arrived in Tokaj in 1880's managed to hang onto their 1929 vineyard (Hatalos) through two world wars and communism.
3. Barta Winery, Old King Furmint Tokaj 2012
Barta Winery, Old King Furmint Tokaj 2012 © Spaswinefood
Given this is not my first time tasting this a Barta Furmint, Barta is a name that I associated with Furmint wines. This wine come from their Király(King) Vineyard. Öreg Király (Old King) has a history dating back to 1285. In conclusion this was a 12 year Furmint with amazing character.
The Sparkling Side of Furmint
The fourth Furmint wine that I will share is not from Tokaj. It is also a sparkling wine.
4. Pálffy Winery, Methode Traditionelle Furmint, Káli Basin 2016
Pálffy Winery, Methode Traditionelle Furmint, Káli Basin 2016 © Spaswinefood
This sparkling Furmint wine is from the Káli Basin, a unique wine region the the northern shore of Lake Balaton. The winery has 40 acres that is organically farmed. This 2016 vintage is the second sparkling wine production by the winery. It would pair well with oysters, citrus-based dishes, seafood and ceviche. It also goes well as an aperitif. We enjoyed it with a Dutch Baby (Puffed Pancake), topped with fruit and whipped cream. Dutch Baby (Puffed Pancake) © Spaswinefood
The above four Furmint wines showcased excellence in Furmint wines.
Time to Explore Furmint Wines © Spaswinefood
I would recommend the following four Furmint wines:1. Erzsébet Winery, Estate Furmint, Tokaj 2015
2. Kvaszinger Winery, Estate Furmint, Tokaj 2016
3. Barta Winery, Old King Furmint Tokaj 2012
4. Pálffy Winery, Methode Traditionelle Furmint, Káli Basin 2016
Before closing I would like to add some earlier Furmint memories.
Vignettes from Earlier Furmint Memories
Tasting these Furmint wines brought back memories of those earlier fall days in Budapest, and attending the Rovinhud Wine Show 2017 and 2018 in Timisoara, Romania.
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| #Winelovers, St. Andrea Wine and Gourmet Bar 2017 © Spaswinefood |
In addition have had the pleasure to attend a number of #winelover hangouts in Budapest. During the 2017 hangout I meet László Bálint, the Budapest-based founder of Furmint USA, an educational and marketing organization that promotes Hungarian wine in the U.S. market. For sure Furmint wines were amongst the wines we explored that evening.
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| Hungarian Wine Moments, St. Andrea Wine and Skybar © Spaswinefood |
Yes, it was not only a most delightful dinner at St. Andrea Wine and Gourmet Bar but also our visit to St. Andrea Wine and Skybar was so enjoyable. It was a most delightful evening with Hungarian wines.
A few more Furmint wines would turn up at our 2018 #Winelover Hangout in Budapest, which was held at Divin Porcello, one Budapest's top restaurants.
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| Arriving at Divin Porcello © Spaswinefood |
For me, the evening began with meeting some new #winelover friends over bubbles. There were also reunions with old friends. Many friendships begin, or are renewed at such gatherings.
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| Sharing Time with #Winelovers, Budapest © Spaswinefood |
As usual there is always a great lineup of wines shared at a #Winelover's Hangout. This time was no exception.
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| Wine Lineup, #Winelover Hangout 2018 © Spaswinefood |
Rovinhud Wine Shows: Furmint Memories
From Budapest it was onto Rovinhud Wine Show 2017 in Timisoara, Romania. During the conference I attended a master class on Furmint wines. I was first introduced to Furmint wines from Barta Winery Furmints. It was master's class on Furmint wines given by Barta Winery. This session was at the top on my agenda, as I wanted to learn more about Hungarian Furmint wines.
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| Furmint Class, Rovinhud Wine Show © Spaswinefood |
During the class Furmint wines produced in a variety of styles, ranging from bone dry to extremely sweet, were discussed.
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| Barta Winery, Rovinhud Wine Show © Spaswinefood |
We tasted Furmint wines from Barta Winery, Mád, Hungary. During the class Furmint wines produced in a variety of styles, ranging from bone dry to extremely sweet, were discussed. Wine highlights from this Rovinhud Wine Show presentation included: |
| Barta Winery's Eight Wines Tasted © Spaswinefood |
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| Furmint Wines, Rovinhud Wine Show © Spaswinefood |
Yes, it was an exciting lineup of Barta Winery wines. Please taste Barta Winery Furmint wines if you get the opportunity. |
| Furmint Wines, Rovinhud Wine Show © Spaswinefood |
My 2017 #budapesttobucharest Spaswinefood adventure was a great opportunity for me to discover some stellar Hungarian wines. November 2018 I returned to the Rovinhud Wine Show, Timisoara to attended another Master Class entitled Golden Treasures of Tokaj: From Late Harvest to Aszú. Tokaj's sweet wines, for which the region is best know. |
| Golden Treasures from Tokaj, Rovinhud 2018 © Spaswinefood |
The class was given by Barca Károly from Barta Prince, Filep Gergely from Disznókő, and Kovács Zoltán from Royal Tokaji.
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| Late Harvest, Szamorodni, and Aszú Wines © Spaswinefood |
Three producers came together to share some of the most amazing sweet wines in the world. By the end of the session I was introduced to categories now used to describe these wines. Since 2014 Tokaj's sweet wines have been categorized as Late Harvest, Szamorodni, and Aszú wines.
Hungary's Furmint wines are not only delicious but also, are extra special for creating wine memories with friends. Indeed for me, it is always pure enjoyment to explore Hungarian Furmint wines. If you would like to explore Hungarian wine the good news is that Taste Hungary now offers Hungarian Wines in the US. Hungarian Wines in the US is the perfect online source to discover these wines. A Forbes article also recommends them. Perhaps you are curious about Hungarian wines. There are 22 official wine regions. Each region has their own particular blend of culture, history, terroir and wine style. This means there are lots of Hungarian wines to explore. On a personal note being able to relive my memories, of Budapest and Rovinhud, with Furmint wines ignited a special joy during those days of COVID isolation. Returning to Hungary May 2024 was awesome. I invite you to (1) give Furmint wines a try, and (2) join me in my travels in Hungary and elsewhere at Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon and at Spaswinefood on Bluesky and Facebook.
Sharon
Furmint Memories
February 2025
© Spaswinefood
NOTE: Taste Hungary describes the bottles used in Tokaj as following two guidelines:
1. Aszú bottle—By law, since the late 19th-century, Tokaji Aszú (and other botrytized wines from the region) must be bottled in a uniform 500 milliliter “Aszú bottle.” The elegantly-shaped bottle has the word “Tokaj” embossed into the neck, and is unique to the Tokaj region.
2. Dry Tokaj Bottle—The bottle for dry Tokaji wines is a much newer addition to the region’s branding. It is modelled after the traditional Aszú bottle, just in a larger proportional 750 milliliter format (and also in 375ml and magnum sizes). The bottle succeeds in letting the customer know at first glance that they are looking at a quality dry wine from the Tokaj region.
Lineup of Hungarian Furmint Wines © Spaswinefood
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One Novemeber Evening, Budapest 2018 © Spaswinefood
Danube, Budapest May 2024 © Spaswinefood |
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