Ask wine lovers about Tokaji and most will eagerly describe Hungary’s famous sweet white wine. Ask the same group about Furmint and you’ll often get a puzzled look. Mention that Furmint is the grape behind sweet Tokaji and they’ll nod. Add that Furmint also makes excellent dry wines and many will be surprised.
Dry Furmint is real, and in recent decades it has begun to earn its own reputation. For centuries the Furmint grape was best known as the base for Hungary’s internationally celebrated sweet Tokaji. But in the last 20 years — especially since around 2000, when two winemakers introduced a dry bottling called Úrágya Furmint — modern dry Furmint has taken shape. These wines attracted attention for their complexity, bright acidity and well-structured profiles. Acidity is a key feature: it brings a refreshing lift to the palate and contributes to a wine’s ability to age gracefully. With growing recognition, many dry Furmints are now available in the United States, and they span a range of styles and prices.
Château Dereszla 2014 (approx. $15) stands out as an approachable, medium-bodied example. It shows a pale yellow hue, fresh fruit flavors, subtle floral and spice notes, and a crisp acidity that keeps the wine lively and appealing.
Basilicus Mestervölgy Furmint 2015 (approx. $28) offers a livelier acidity with a slight flinty edge and a finish that echoes its flavors for some time, making it a memorable choice.
Majoros Deák Furmint 2013 (approx. $22) is pale in color with crisp acidity and a gentle, balanced palate. It’s an especially enjoyable, easy-drinking option.
Somlói Vándor Furmint 2015 (approx. $24) leans more full-bodied while retaining good acidity and a medium-long finish, demonstrating the grape’s versatility across styles.
Barta Öreg Király Furmint 2013 (approx. $39) is another full-bodied example, notable for strong minerality and lively acidity that together create an enticing, textured wine.
Degenfeld Furmint Dry 2015 (approx. $18) is nearly water-clear and medium-dry, with pronounced floral aromatics that persist into the finish, offering a delicate yet defined expression.
Holdvölgy Vision Furmint 2013 (approx. $24) is very pale and presents soft, delicate floral flavors, a restrained style that highlights subtlety and finesse.
Kvaszinger Hatalos Furmint 2015 (approx. $27) also shows a very light color but surprises with a pronounced floral character and a long finish, underscoring how appearance can belie intensity.
Across these examples, dry Furmint reveals a common thread: refreshing acidity, floral and mineral notes, and a capacity for both delicate and more robust expressions. Whether you prefer a lighter, floral style or a fuller, mineral-driven wine, Furmint deserves attention for its range and quality. These bottles offer accessible entry points to explore the grape beyond Tokaji’s sweetness and to appreciate the modern resurgence of Hungary’s versatile white variety.