WineGuessrWhite grape variety
Furmint
Also called Šipon, Mosler, Moslavac
Furmint is a white grape from Tokaj in northeast Hungary, known as the main grape of sweet Tokaji Aszú and for dry, smoky, high-acid whites. In 2006 Hungary had 4,006 hectares, over 97% of them in the Tokaj region. DNA shows Gouais Blanc as one parent.
| Color | White (green-skinned) |
|---|---|
| Origin | Tokaj, Hungary (an offspring of Gouais Blanc) |
| Body | Medium to full |
| Acidity | High |
| Typical aromas | pear, lime, quince, apricot, smoke, honey, almond |
| Key regions | Tokaj (Hungary), Somló (Hungary), Tokaj (Slovakia), Burgenland (Austria), Slovenia, Croatia |
Origin and history
Furmint comes from the Tokaj region of northeast Hungary, which since 1920 has extended across the border into Slovakia. DNA analysis showed it to be an offspring of Gouais Blanc, a medieval variety that is also a parent of Chardonnay and Riesling. The grape is recorded in Tokaj's Hétszőlő vineyard on 15 May 1571, and in 1796 János Dercsényi called it the genuine Tokaji Aszú grape. Tokaj's vineyards were classified from 1730, one of the earliest such systems. In 2006 Hungary grew 4,006 hectares of Furmint, more than 97% of them in Tokaj.
Where it grows
Tokaj is its heartland: Furmint covers about 60% of the region's vineyards and is the main grape of Tokaji Aszú, blended with Hárslevelű and Yellow Muscat (Sárgamuskotály). In western Hungary, the volcanic hill of Somló makes powerful dry Furmint. In Austria it is known as Mosler and is used for the sweet Ruster Ausbruch of Burgenland. In Slovenia and Croatia it is called Šipon, and Moslavac in Croatia and Serbia.
Taste, wine styles and food
Furmint combines high acidity with the ability to reach high sugar levels, and its thin skin makes it susceptible to noble rot. These traits make it ideal for botrytised sweet wine: in Tokaji Aszú, shrivelled aszú berries give honey, apricot, orange peel and a long, fresh finish, and the best wines last for decades. It ripens late, with grapes for dry wine picked from September and sweet harvests running into October or later. Dry Furmint has notes of smoke, pear and lime. Dry styles suit pork, goose and freshwater fish; Aszú pairs with foie gras and blue cheese.
Wines made with Furmint (3)
WineGuessr lists 3 wines made with Furmint, from 2 countries. Most come from Hungary (2).
Furmint: questions and answers
What grape is Tokaji made from?
Tokaji is made mainly from Furmint, often blended with Hárslevelű and Yellow Muscat. Six grapes are permitted in total.
Is Furmint sweet?
Furmint makes both sweet and dry wines. It is best known for sweet Tokaji Aszú, but it also makes dry wines.
Where does Furmint come from?
Furmint comes from the Tokaj region of northeast Hungary, where it has been documented since 1571.
What is Šipon?
Šipon is the Slovenian and Croatian name for Furmint.
Other white grapes
All grape varieties →Sources: en.wikipedia.org, en.wikipedia.org
Last reviewed October 2026.