Furmint - Zavec Brothers

A glass of Furmint - Zavec Brothers fills with dense, radiant orange reminiscent of dried apricot and amber. Already at the first swirl, a multi-layered aroma rises from the glass. Delicate notes of toasted wood meet roasted almond, fresh lemon and ripe orange. Behind this are hints of quince, dried apple and a touch of chamomile.

On the nose, there is an exciting mix of fruit, spice and gentle oxidation, as known from high-quality orange wines. A fine veil of smoke accompanies aromatic nuances of orange peel, dried apricot and a touch of beeswax. In addition, there are subtle herbal notes reminiscent of sage and chamomile, as well as a hint of white pepper.

On the palate, Furmint - Zavec Brothers appears dense and structured. The texture shows grip without being demanding, the lively acidity carries the aromas with a clear line. Lemon and candied orange peel provide freshness, while dried apple rings, apricot and a hint of pear add fullness. The tannins are fine yet noticeable and recall the gentle astringency of good black tea.

The spiciness resulting from maceration on the skins is expressed in notes of almond skin, light toast and a hint of vanilla. At the same time, a distinct mineral streak remains. It is reminiscent of wet stone after summer rain and lends the wine depth and tension. The style presents itself as juicy, structured and firmly dry, with a long, slightly salty finish.

Typical of Furmint from Podravje, the wine radiates a clear, cool elegance. The climate in northeastern Slovenia brings warm days and fresh nights. In this way, the grapes ripen intensively but retain their defining acidity. The Furmint variety here shows its full versatility, from tight citrus fruit to spicy depth.

Three leitmotifs repeatedly emerge in the aromatic interplay:

• Citrus freshness with lemon, orange zest and a hint of grapefruit
• Nutty fullness with almond skin and subtle marzipan nuances
• Spicy complexity through toasted wood, fine herbs and gentle smokiness

The wine appears multi-layered and reveals different facets with every sip. The tannin structure stems from the time on the skins and gives the orange wine its typical character. The body presents itself as medium to full, always precise and without heaviness. The acidity is juicy, invigorates the palate and extends the finish.

On the aftertaste, citrus notes, almonds and a fine, salty minerality remain. A gentle grip on the palate invites the next sip. Thus, the impression of depth grows with every minute in the glass. Those who take their time with the wine will discover a clear inner order.

1. Fruit-driven citrus and stone fruit notes provide freshness.
2. Structured tannins give grip and character.
3. Nutty and smoky tones lend elegance and complexity.

Visually, this orange wine also makes a clear statement. The radiant orange with copper rim appears intense and enticing. In the glass the wine shows slight legs, announcing its dense texture. The very sight prepares you for a distinctive taste experience.

Production of the Furmint by Zavec Brothers

The grapes for Furmint - Zavec Brothers come from Podravje, the cool northeast of Slovenia. In this region, continental influences meet mild air currents from the south. The vines are rooted in a mix of clay, gravel and limestone. These soils store warmth and moisture well and provide the wine with structure and minerality.

Furmint is considered a grape variety with high acidity and great aromatic depth. In Podravje it shows a special combination of citrus fruit, stone fruit and spicy complexity. For this single-varietal orange wine, the winery harvests the grapes at full ripeness in order to achieve intense aroma and a stable structure. Harvesting is carried out carefully in the vineyard. Only fully ripe berries make it to the press.

After the harvest, the grapes are quickly brought to the cellar. There, they undergo selective hand sorting. This is followed by the crushing of the whole berries. The skins remain in contact with the must for an extended period of time. This way, color, tannin and lots of aroma are transferred to the wine. This traditional method is the core of orange wine production.

Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks with natural temperature control. The yeast works calmly and steadily so that the complex aromas of Furmint and skin contact can develop fully. The skins remain in the must during the fermentation phase, and regular punching-down of the cap brings additional structure and depth.

After fermentation is complete, the cellar master gently separates wine and skins. Gentle pressing releases the last, aroma-rich juice. The wine then matures on the fine lees. The fine lees protect, smooth rough edges and lend the texture creamy nuances. Occasional stirring of the lees, bâtonnage, promotes fullness and mouthfeel.

Part of the wine matures in contact with wood. Toasted barrels impart delicate vanilla and subtle roasted notes. These aromas integrate beautifully with the citrus and stone fruit. This creates a balanced dialogue between fruit, spice and tannin. The maturation process is consistently geared towards clarity and precision, without masking the grape’s original character.

Before bottling, the wine is given sufficient time to rest. This stabilizes the structure and allows the individual aromas to merge harmoniously. Bottling in Burgundy bottles with natural cork underlines the winery’s aspirations. Vina Zavec places great value on manual work, a strong sense of terroir and an independent style. Here, orange wine is not a trend but a clear statement about origin and craftsmanship.

Serving recommendations for Furmint by Zavec Brothers

The Furmint by Zavec Brothers proves to be a versatile food companion, especially for sophisticated, aroma-intensive cuisine. The dense texture and fine tannins harmonize ideally with dishes that bring structure and spice. For example, it accompanies fried octopus with lemon oil and Mediterranean herbs. Grilled prawns with garlic and chili are also an excellent match.

The wine offers great possibilities with vegetarian cuisine. Try it with pumpkin risotto with sage and roasted seeds. Dishes with mushrooms, such as tagliatelle with porcini or a risotto with king oyster mushrooms, also pair wonderfully. The gentle smokiness and the tannins elegantly pick up the roasted aromas of the kitchen.

White meat works perfectly, especially when roasted or grilled. Oven-roasted chicken with lemon slices, thyme and root vegetables offers a harmonious interplay. Veal loin with light sauces and roasted vegetables also harmonizes nicely with the structure and freshness of the wine.

For cheese, a selection of semi-hard and aged varieties is recommended. A lightly aged mountain cheese, an aromatic Comté or a flavorful hard cheese made from raw milk make ideal companions. The wine’s nutty notes meet the piquant aromas of the cheeses, forming a powerful pairing.

As an aperitif, this orange wine is particularly appealing to lovers of characterful wines. It is also excellent as a bottle highlight for a fine dinner with friends. On a festive table, it is intriguing and stands out from classic white or red wines. In addition, the wine is suitable as a gift for connoisseurs who enjoy discovering new styles.

The ideal serving temperature is 8 to 10 degrees. At this temperature the wine shows freshness while retaining its full aromatic expression. A brief decanting before serving opens up the nutty and spicy notes even more. In a broad white wine glass, the complexity unfolds particularly well. Stored in a cool, dark place, the wine retains its quality for several years and gains in depth.

• More products from Zavec Brothers