Why Furmint February?
Furmint February is returning to the UK in 2022 and this year will include a tasting in Edinburgh as well as London.
Following on from their great success promoting Hungary’s flagship grape variety over the last few years, Wines of Hungary UK will be organising a series of activities this February to increase awareness of Furmint amongst the trade and consumers in the UK.
London Tasting
Monday 21st February at Merchant Taylors’ Hall, London EC2.
Over 150 sparkling, dry and sweet Furmint wines from 35 producers will be available to taste – some of which are seeking representation in the UK. Producers include Royal Tokaji, Szepsy, Barta, Patricius, Zsirai, Dereszla, Tokaj Hetszolo, Grand Tokaj, Disznoko, Tokaj Nobilis, Sanzon Tokaj, Pajzos, Gizella, Kolonics and Gilvesy. This year, ten new producers will be in attendance showing Furmint (and a couple of their friends) from Tokaj, Somlo, Balaton and Eger wine regions.
Two masterclasses will take place:
- Furmint and Terroir, focus on single vineyards – Dr Caroline Gilby MW;
- Sparkling Furmint, introducing Furmint bubbles – Dr Orsi Szentkiralyi
To keep numbers COVID-safe, Wines of Hungary will hold two sessions (with a maximum number at each) and encourage members of the trade and media to register in advance for a specific session:
Session 1: 11am-2pm
Session 2: 2.30-5.30pm
Edinburgh Tasting
Wednesday 23rd February at Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH2 1JQ from 1-5.30pm
Over 80 sparkling, dry and sweet Furmint wines from 20 producers will be available to taste. Producers include Royal Tokaji, Sauska, Pajzos, Zsirai, Barta, Disznoko, Tokaj Oremus, TR Wines, Kolonics and, Gilvesy.
One masterclass will take place:
- 2pm – The Many Faces of Furmint – Caroline Gilby MW and Rose Murray Brown MW
Members of the trade and media can sign up at: https://wineeventsscotland.co.uk/events/trade-tasting-furmint/
Caroline Gilby MW says, “Furmint has been building a reputation over recent years as the next big thing among white grapes – for its amazing versatility and quality in both sweet wines and a new generation of dry wines. Furmint February 2022 aims to take a deeper dive into exploring Furmint’s ability to reflect a real sense of place. The best producers have moved beyond simply making good, clean wine towards expressing the complex volcanic soils of Tokaj and beyond in genuinely exciting single vineyard selections. There will also be a guest spot for the relatively new category of Furmint-based sparkling wines. Furmint’s relatively neutral aromatics, along with its vibrant, lively acidity, offer great raw material for fantastic bottle-fermented wines – well worth a taste.”
Throughout February, bars, restaurants and retailers will be encouraged to put Furmint in the spotlight, motivating customers to try the wines and learn more about Hungary’s flagship grape variety. The most successful will have the opportunity to win a trip to Tokaj.
Those who demonstrate increased listings and promotional activities organised by their partners, could win a three-day trip to Hungary for three people. Participants need to send their application demonstrating the number of new listings, by the glass or any other promotional offers executed during February-March through their importer/distributor partners. The best importer/distributor wins a trip to Tokaj for their best performing partners (3 people/2 nights). The winner will be announced in end April by Wines of Hungary UK.
Zsuzsa Toronyi, Wines of Hungary UK says, “Our Furmint February activities have always been incredibly well received in the UK. After having to organise a virtual Furmint February experience in 2021, we are very excited to be able organise an in person tasting again this year and we’re delighted to be hosting an event in Edinburgh for the first time so that even more wine enthusiasts across the UK can try the wines. We’re making sure we have lots of measures in place to make the events as safe as we can in the current climate, including timed sessions, reduced numbers at masterclasses and testing for our winemakers. We can’t wait to shine a light on Furmint once again.”
Visit www.furmintfebruary.co.uk for more details and join in the conversation on social media throughout February using #furmintfebruary22