Furmint

Furmint is a white wine grape variety native to Hungary, best known as the principal component of the Tokaj wine district. It is grown in Hungary and Slovakia and has limited plantings in other Central European regions. In Tokaj, Furmint forms the backbone of many wines, from dry styles to the region’s famous sweet, botrytized wines.

The grape has a long history in the Carpathian Basin and remains closely associated with Tokaj. In that region, Furmint is frequently blended with Hárslevelű and Sárgamuskotály (Muscat Blanc) to balance acidity and aromatic character. The variety is also cultivated, to a lesser extent, in neighboring Slovakia and in select vineyards elsewhere in Central Europe.

Viticulture and style: Furmint is typically late-ripening and high in acidity, which gives it strong aging potential. It is susceptible to botrytis (noble rot), a key factor in producing Tokaji Aszú and other sweet wines, though it also yields fresh, dry wines with pronounced citrus, green apple, pear, and mineral notes. The Eszencia style, a historically rare and extremely sweet wine, can be produced from aged Furmint must.

Wine regions and styles: In Tokaj, Furmint-based wines span dry, late harvest, and botrytized sweet categories, with the sweet Aszú and Eszencia wines being among the region’s most celebrated examples. The grape’s versatility and acidity make it a central element of Tokaj’s wine identity, contributing to wines capable of long cellar aging.