Furmint: Difference between revisions
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While many other wine grapes have been used in the production of the historic Tokaji dessert wine, Furmint's use for the wine was well established by at least the late 18th century when, in 1796, the Hungarian politician [[János Dercsényi]] described Furmint as the "genuine Tokaji Aszú" grape.<ref name="Wine Grapes"/> |
While many other wine grapes have been used in the production of the historic Tokaji dessert wine, Furmint's use for the wine was well established by at least the late 18th century when, in 1796, the Hungarian politician [[János Dercsényi]] described Furmint as the "genuine Tokaji Aszú" grape.<ref name="Wine Grapes"/> |
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===Origins=== |
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In the early 21st century, [[DNA analysis]] confirmed that a parent-offspring relationship exist between Furmint and the [[Hunnic grape]] [[Gouais blanc]]. As Gouais blanc, has been noted in documents since the early [[Middle Ages]] and has been well established as the parent of several grape varieties such as [[Riesling]], [[Chardonnay]], [[Elbling]] and [[Gamay]], ampelographers believe that Furmint is likely the offspring of Gouais blanc instead of the other way around.<ref name="Wine Grapes"/> |
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DNA analysis also suggested that parent-offspring relationships exist with the Hungarian wine grape [[Hárslevelű]] and the [[Swiss wine]] grape [[Plantscher]] but instead of either being the second parent to Furmint with Gouais blanc, ampelographers believe that it is more likely that Furmint is one of the parent variety for both grapes.<ref name="Wine Grapes"/> |
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Like [[Pinot noir]], [[Sangiovese]] and many other grape varieties, Furmint has beget over centuries a variety of [[clones (wine)|clones]], including a pink-skinned [[color mutation]] known as ''Piros Furmint''. As nearly all of these clones are found, almost exclusively, within the Tokaji region, ampelographers believe that it is highly probable that Furmint originated in this part of Hungary.<ref name="Wine Grapes"/> |
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===Other theories=== |
===Other theories=== |
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[[File:Bela IV bust close up.jpg|right|thumb|Furmint |
[[File:Bela IV bust close up.jpg|right|thumb|Furmint may have been introduced to Hungary during the reign of King Béla IV.]] |
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Other theories of Furmint's origins have the grape being introduced to the [[Austro-Hungarian]] area in the |
Other theories of Furmint's origins have the grape being introduced to the [[Austro-Hungarian]] area in the Middle Ages. As noted by [[Master of Wine]] [[Jancis Robinson]], the grape may have been brought to Hungary in the 13th century during the reign of King [[Béla IV]]. Following the destruction of the [[Mongolian invasion of Hungary]], Béla wanted to quickly revive the country's devastated vineyards. The king instituted several policies encouraging mass [[immigration]] of people knowledgeable in [[viticulture]] and [[winemaking]].<ref name="DiWine">DiWine Taste ''"[http://www.diwinetaste.com/dwt/en2003102.php Hungary wine]"'' Issue 11, September 2003 </ref> Many of the immigrants that heeded Béla's call brought new grape varieties with them - one of which may have been Furmint.<ref name="Oxford pg 292"/><ref name= "Wein-Plus">Wein-Plus Glossar: ''"[http://www.wein-plus.eu/en/Ungarn_3.0.2557.html Hungary]"'' Accessed: December 18th, 2009 </ref> |
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Another theory has the grape being introduced even early by Italian missionaries during the reign of [[Stephen II of Hungary]]. This theory, as noted by the French ampelographer [[Pierre Galet]], could have Furmint originating from the [[Lazio]] city of [[Formia]] located along the [[Appian Way]] with the name being a corruption of Formia's [[Latin]] name ''Formianum''. A later Italian introduction is credited to a soldier from [[Collio Goriziano]] region of [[Friuli-Venezia Giulia]] who fought in the [[Seven Years' War]] between 1754 (sometimes dated to 1756) and 1763. The soldier, who was nicknamed ''Forment'' from the [[Italian (language)|Italian]] ''fromento'' for "wheat" due to his wheat-colored, reddish blonde beard, was granted the title of [[Count of Formentin]] by Empress [[Maria Theresa]]. In gratitude, according to this legend, the Count sent grapevines from his native land to the Empress who had them planted in Tokaji.<ref name="Wine Grapes"/> |
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However, ampelographers often dismiss these Italian origin theories because, in addition to documentation showing Furmint growing in Hungary before the Seven Years' War, DNA evidence has not connected Furmint to any [[Italian grape variety]] (as a sibling or, more likely, a parent variety) which would seem unlikely if Furmint did originate in Italy.<ref name="Wine Grapes"/> |
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Other theories for Furmint's origin note the grape's similarities to the [[Savoy wine]] grape [[Altesse]] and speculate that the grape may have originated there or even in [[Byzantium]] where, according to legend, Altesse was brought back to Savoy in 1367 by [[Amadeus VI, Count of Savoy]]. The [[Syrmia]] region with [[Serbia]] has also been listed as one potential birthplace for the grape.<ref name="Wine Grapes"/> |
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==Relationship to other grapes== |
==Relationship to other grapes== |
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Revision as of 20:54, 13 May 2014
| Furmint | |
|---|---|
| Grape (Vitis) | |
 Furmint grape cluster | |
| Color of berry skin | Blanc |
| Species | Vitis vinifera |
| Origin | Hungary, Slovakia |
| Pedigree parent 1 | Gouais Blanc |
| Notable wines | Tokaji |
| Formation of seeds | Complete |
| Sex of flowers | Hermaphrodite |
| VIVC number | 4292 |
Furmint is a white Hungarian wine grape variety that is most noted widely grown in the Tokaj-Hegyalja wine region where it is used to produce single-varietal dry wines as well as being the principal grape in the better known Tokaji dessert wines. It is also grown in the tiny Hungarian wine region of Somló. Furmint plays a similar role in the Slovakian wine region of Tokaj. It is also grown in Austria where it is known as Mosler. Smaller plantings are found in Slovenia where it is known as Šipon. The grape is also planted in Croatia, Romania and the former republics of the Soviet Union.[1] Furmint is a late ripening variety, usually being harvested in the second half of October, and is often inflicted with Botrytis.[2]
The name Furmint may have been taken from the word "froment" for the wheat-gold color of the wine it produces. While it is possible that the grape was brought to Hungary in the 13th century during the reign of King Béla IV, [3] [4] ampelographers believe that the grape is likely native to the region.[5]
History
Furmint has been growing in the Tokaji region of north-eastern Hungary since at least the late 16th century when a document dated May 15th, 1571 described the grape growing in the Hétszőlő vineyard in Tokaj. In 1611, the grape was also noted to have been growing in the Gyepű Valley of the Zemplén Mountains near the town of Erdőbénye, about 20 20 kilometres (12 mi) north of Tokaj.[5]
While many other wine grapes have been used in the production of the historic Tokaji dessert wine, Furmint's use for the wine was well established by at least the late 18th century when, in 1796, the Hungarian politician János Dercsényi described Furmint as the "genuine Tokaji Aszú" grape.[5]
Origins
In the early 21st century, DNA analysis confirmed that a parent-offspring relationship exist between Furmint and the Hunnic grape Gouais blanc. As Gouais blanc, has been noted in documents since the early Middle Ages and has been well established as the parent of several grape varieties such as Riesling, Chardonnay, Elbling and Gamay, ampelographers believe that Furmint is likely the offspring of Gouais blanc instead of the other way around.[5]
DNA analysis also suggested that parent-offspring relationships exist with the Hungarian wine grape Hárslevelű and the Swiss wine grape Plantscher but instead of either being the second parent to Furmint with Gouais blanc, ampelographers believe that it is more likely that Furmint is one of the parent variety for both grapes.[5]
Like Pinot noir, Sangiovese and many other grape varieties, Furmint has beget over centuries a variety of clones, including a pink-skinned color mutation known as Piros Furmint. As nearly all of these clones are found, almost exclusively, within the Tokaji region, ampelographers believe that it is highly probable that Furmint originated in this part of Hungary.[5]
Other theories
Other theories of Furmint's origins have the grape being introduced to the Austro-Hungarian area in the Middle Ages. As noted by Master of Wine Jancis Robinson, the grape may have been brought to Hungary in the 13th century during the reign of King Béla IV. Following the destruction of the Mongolian invasion of Hungary, Béla wanted to quickly revive the country's devastated vineyards. The king instituted several policies encouraging mass immigration of people knowledgeable in viticulture and winemaking.[3] Many of the immigrants that heeded Béla's call brought new grape varieties with them - one of which may have been Furmint.[2][4]
Another theory has the grape being introduced even early by Italian missionaries during the reign of Stephen II of Hungary. This theory, as noted by the French ampelographer Pierre Galet, could have Furmint originating from the Lazio city of Formia located along the Appian Way with the name being a corruption of Formia's Latin name Formianum. A later Italian introduction is credited to a soldier from Collio Goriziano region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia who fought in the Seven Years' War between 1754 (sometimes dated to 1756) and 1763. The soldier, who was nicknamed Forment from the Italian fromento for "wheat" due to his wheat-colored, reddish blonde beard, was granted the title of Count of Formentin by Empress Maria Theresa. In gratitude, according to this legend, the Count sent grapevines from his native land to the Empress who had them planted in Tokaji.[5]
However, ampelographers often dismiss these Italian origin theories because, in addition to documentation showing Furmint growing in Hungary before the Seven Years' War, DNA evidence has not connected Furmint to any Italian grape variety (as a sibling or, more likely, a parent variety) which would seem unlikely if Furmint did originate in Italy.[5]
Other theories for Furmint's origin note the grape's similarities to the Savoy wine grape Altesse and speculate that the grape may have originated there or even in Byzantium where, according to legend, Altesse was brought back to Savoy in 1367 by Amadeus VI, Count of Savoy. The Syrmia region with Serbia has also been listed as one potential birthplace for the grape.[5]
Relationship to other grapes
In recent years, DNA profiling conducted at the University of Zagreb has shown Furmint to be likely to have a parent-offspring relationship with Gouais blanc, which similar research elsewhere has shown to be a parent of numerous other varieties, including Chardonnay. Furmint has also been confirmed to be the same grape as the Croatian white variety Moslavac.[2]
In 1937, Furmint was crossed with the Croatian wine grape Malvazija Istarska to create Vega.[5]
Confusion with other grapes
Furmint shares a wide range of synonyms with several other European grape varieties - such as Sauvignon vert which was once known under the synonym of Tocai Friulano even though the grape was probably never used in the production of Tokay. To confuse things further, not only does Furmint share several synonyms with Sauvignon vert but Sauvignon vert itself is a synonym for the "green berry" sub-variety of Furmint. This, coupled with physical similarities between several strains of white grapevines makes identification of different wines, particularly those in developing Eastern European countries difficult. Among the grapes that ampelographers question whether they are the same grapes or different varieties are the Croatian grape Pošip and the Romanian grape Grasă de Cotnari.[1] In recent years, however, DNA analysis has proven that Furmint and Pošip have no relationship to one another.
Wine regions
Furmint is most widely cultivated in Hungary, particularly the Tokaj-Hegyalja region where it is often blended with Hárslevelű and Sárga Muskotály. In Somló, producers dedicated to producing dry styles of Furmint have been steadily increasing plantings. Outside Hungary, it is found planted around the Crimea where producers have endeavored to make their own versions of Tokaji. For the same reason, small plantings of the grape have been done in South Africa.[2] In Austria it is most commonly found in Burgenland (where is known as Zapfner)) and Styria (where it is known as Mosler).[1]
Outside of Hungary
In the Burgenland region (now in Austria), Furmint was historically associated with the production of the sweet dessert wine Ausbruch. The grape gradually fell out of favor in the Burgenland but in the 21st century, several Ausbruch winemakers (particularly around Rust) have been rediscovering the grape's potential in their area.[1] In Hungary, the grape is a significant component of the notable dessert wine Tokaji that has been in the Tokaj-Hegyalja region for several centuries.[2] During Communist rule of Hungary, Furmint's fortunes and notability declined as many vineyards and wineries fell into neglect. When Communism ended in the country, towards the end of the 20th century, most of the joint venture wine companies that emerged decided to focus mainly on Furmint's uses in sweet wines - despite a general shift in consumers' wine tasting habits towards drier wines. It wasn't until the 21st century that more attention was given to Furmint's potential for dry wine production.[1]
Wines and styles
Furmint can be produced in a variety of styles ranging from bone dry to extremely sweet wines afflicted by noble rot. The grape has the potential to produce wines with naturally high levels of acidity with complex flavors derived from phenolic compounds in the juice and through brief contact with the grape skins. Furmint wines, particularly the botrytized dessert wines, can have immense aging potential with some well made examples from favorable vintages continuing to age for over a century. These wines, described by wine expert Oz Clarke as nearly "immortal", are most often the aszú style wines of Tokaji made from the top 10-15% of Furmint harvested.[1] This potential comes from the balance of acidity and high levels of sugars in the wine which act as preservatives during the aging process.[2]
Dry styles of Furmint are characterized by their aroma notes of smoke, pears and lime. Dessert style wines can develop notes of marzipan, blood orange, apricots and barley sugar. As these dessert styles of Furmint age they will often develop more smokey and spicy notes of tobacco, tea, cinnamon and even chocolate.[1]
Synonyms
Over the years, Furmint has been known under a variety of synonyms including: Allgemeiner, Alte Sestrebe, Arany Furmint, Beregi Furmint, Bieli Moslavac, Biharboros, Bihari Boros, Budai Goher, Cimigera, Csapfner, Csillagviraga Furmint, Damzemy, Demjen, Domjen, Edelweisser Tokayer, Edler weisser Furmint, Féher Furmint, Formint, Formont, Fourminte, Furmint bianco, Furmint de Minis, Furmint Féher, Furmint Szagos, Furmint Valtozo, Gelber Moster, Gemeiner, Görgeny, Görin, Goher Féher, Gorin, Grasa de Kotnar, Holyagos Furmint, Jardanszki Furmint, Keknyelü, Keresztesevelu Furmint, Kiraly Furmint, Krhkopetec, Ligetes Furmint, Luttenberger, Madarkas Furmint, Mainak, Maljak, Malmsey, Malnik, Malvasia verde, Malvoisie verte, Malzak, Mehlweiss, Moscavac bijeli, Moslavac, Moslavac bijeli, Moslavac zuti, Moslavina, Mosler, Mosler gelb, Mosler gelber, Moslertraube, Moslovac, Moslovez, Nemes Furmint, Poam Grasa, Poma Grasa, Poshipon, Pošip, Pošipbijeli, Pošipveliki, Pošip Vrgonski, Posipel, Posipon, Pospisel, Rongyos Furmint, Salver, Sari Furmint, Sauvignon Vert, Schimiger, Schmiger, Seestock, Seeweinrebe, Shipo, Shipon, Shiponski, Sipelj, Šipon , Som, Som shipo, Somszölö, Szala, Szalai, Szalai janos, Szalay Göreny, Szegszolo, Szegzölö, Szigethy Szöllö, Szigeti, Toca, Toca Tokai, Tokai Krupnyi, Tokaiskii, Tokaisky, Tokaijer, Tokay, Tokayer, Ungarische, Weisslabler, Weisslauber, Zapfete, Zapfner and Zilavka.[6]
References
- ^ a b c d e f g Oz Clarke Encyclopedia of Grapes pg 90 Harcourt Books 2001 ISBN 0-15-100714-4
- ^ a b c d e f J. Robinson (ed) "The Oxford Companion to Wine" Third Edition pg 292 & 348 Oxford University Press 2006 ISBN 0-19-860990-6
- ^ a b DiWine Taste "Hungary wine" Issue 11, September 2003
- ^ a b Wein-Plus Glossar: "Hungary" Accessed: December 18th, 2009
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j J. Robinson, J. Harding and J. Vouillamoz Wine Grapes - A complete guide to 1,368 vine varieties, including their origins and flavours pgs 373-375, 1115 Allen Lane 2012 ISBN 978-1-846-14446-2
- ^ Vitis International Variety Catalogue (VIVC) Furmint Accessed: May 13th, 2014