‘Furmint February’ to be launched in UK

Wines of Hungary UK has said it will be launching a ‘Furmint February’ initiative in the UK next year with an aim to celebrate the grape and bring attention to it.

Zsuzsa Toronyi of Wines of Hungary UK, said: “Furmint is Hungary’s flagship grape variety and the most important grape behind the renowned sweet wines of Tokaj, the “wine of kings and king of wines”.

“Furmint has been gaining more and more recognition in the UK, so we felt that now is right time to shine a light on this exceptional grape variety.”

The initiative will be aimed at both the trade and public. The trade programme will begin with a big Furmint tasting of 60 wines from 20 producers at 67 Pall Mall on 30 January.

Throughout February importers and retailers will be promoting the flagship Hungarian variety with tastings, dinners and special offers.

Caroline Gilbey MW, added: “One exciting thing about Furmint is its versatility. It has some similarities to Riesling – able to go from bone-dry, crisp and vibrant; to intensely sweet, always with its hallmark steely acidity. At the same time, it has a touch of Chardonnay’s nature about it – capable of fine sparkling wines and able to respond well to oak and malolactic fermentation to give layered complex, almost Burgundian wines.”

Lilla O’Connor of Wines of Hungary, said: “We’re looking forward to getting UK based wine drinkers excited about the wide range of styles it can produce. We’re encouraging venues and retailers to join us in promoting Furmint February at their outlets, and we will be rewarding the best performing venue for their promotion with a trip to Tokaj in 2019.”