Photo by VIVC - Vitis International Variety Catalogue
Description
Furmint is the leading grape of Tokaj, where it covers about two thirds of the vineyards and has been recorded since the 16th century. It is related to Gouais Blanc, and through it to Riesling and Chardonnay. In Slovenia it is called Šipon. Furmint makes everything from bone-dry wines with high acidity to the sweet Tokaji Aszú and Eszencia, because its grapes shrivel and catch noble rot well. The bunches are small to medium and loose, with fairly thick-skinned, crisp, yellow-green berries.
Characteristics
White wine grape; late ripening (late September to October); small to medium, loose bunches; medium berries with fairly thick skin that turn rusty on the sunny side; crisp, juicy flesh; high acidity; moderately to strongly vigorous, upright growth; susceptible to grey rot (noble rot in good years); sometimes uneven berry set
Growing Tips
Furmint ripens late, so plant it in your warmest, sunniest spot. It should be pruned short. It is susceptible to botrytis: in dry, sunny autumns this can become noble rot, but in wet years it is ordinary grey rot, so keep the canopy open around the bunches. Expect some seasons with uneven berry set.