Furmint – the main variety used in the Tokaji wine-growing region – has been approved as a Qualitätswein grape in Austria since 1987, but it only occupies a very small area under vine. In Rust, a few winegrowers still traditionally use Furmint for Ausbruch wines.
Important ampelographic features
Ripening
Ripening
Significance & conditions
The variety is highly susceptible to botrytis, making it a preferred choice for the production of nobly sweet wines. It needs a high-quality vineyard that is warm and dry, with lime-rich soil. Cultivation can be difficult because it is sensitive to winter frosts and late frosts and highly prone to Peronospora and oidium.
Area under vine in Austria
(as a proportion of the variety’s total area)
Characteristics of the wine
Characteristics of the wine
The wines are rich in extract and full-bodied. The relatively high acidity and alcohol content results in good longevity. A honey-like aroma is characteristic of this variety. Furmint delivers good quality wines, especially in the top Prädikatswein category.
Source varietal specifications: Höhere Bundeslehranstalt und Bundesamt für Wein- und Obstbau (Federal College and Federal Office for Viticulture, Oenology and Fruit Growing) in Klosterneuburg, “Austria’s Qualitätswein grape varieties and their clones“ („Österreichische Qualitätsweinrebsorten und deren Klone“), 2nd, reviewed edition, September 2015
Source area under vine: Austrian Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Regions and Tourism according to IACS (as at 31 May 2022)
