Oremus Mandolás Dry Furmint by Vega Sicilia

A Fusion of Tradition and Innovation

Oremus Mandolás Dry Furmint by Vega Sicilia is an exceptional dry white wine that hails from the illustrious Tokaj region in Hungary. This wine is a product of the legendary Spanish winery Vega Sicilia, a name synonymous with quality and prestige in the wine world. Renowned for its iconic red wines from Ribera del Duero, Vega Sicilia has ventured into the realm of Tokaji wines under its Oremus estate, blending a respect for centuries-old viticulture with contemporary winemaking techniques.

A New Perspective on Tokaji Wines

Traditionally, the Tokaj region is associated with sweet Aszú wines, celebrated for their botrytized complexities. However, Oremus Mandolás Dry Furmint marks a revolutionary departure, focusing instead on crafting a dry style wine using the indigenous Furmint grape. This approach highlights the varietal’s natural acidity, minerality, and aromatic richness, offering a fresh perspective on Tokaji wines.

The Terroir Advantage

The Oremus estate is situated in Tolcsva, within the Tokaj region, known for its unique volcanic soils. These mineral-rich grounds, combined with a cool climate, provide optimal conditions for the Furmint grape to thrive. The terroir imparts distinctive mineral undertones to the wine, which, when coupled with warm days and cool nights, allow for slow ripening and the development of complex flavors.

Grape and Winemaking Philosophy

Furmint, the focal grape in Mandolás, is traditionally used in sweet wines but reveals a different character when vinified dry. Only the healthiest, non-botrytized grapes are selected for this wine, ensuring a pure expression of fruit. The gentle winemaking process involves controlled fermentation temperatures and careful aging, often involving neutral oak and lees contact to enhance texture without overshadowing the varietal character.

Tasting Profile

Oremus Mandolás Dry Furmint is visually alluring with its vibrant straw-yellow hue. The nose is vibrant with lemon zest, lime, green apple, and delicate white flower aromas, with subtle hints of volcanic minerality. On the palate, it unfolds layers of ripe citrus, peach, and a distinctive mineral backbone. These are elegantly balanced by nuances of toasted bread and butterscotch, derived from meticulous oak integration.

With a full-bodied profile, this wine offers a crisp vibrancy that is both refreshing and sophisticated. Its finish is clean yet lingering, offering a saline and stony crispness that reflects its terroir-driven essence.

Food Pairing and Serving

Ideally paired with seafood such as oysters, shellfish, or grilled fish, the Oremus Mandolás Dry Furmint also complements poultry dishes adorned with herbs or lemon, and soft cheeses like goat or sheep’s milk varieties. Serve chilled between 8–10°C in medium-sized white wine glasses to fully appreciate its aromatic virtues.

An Invitation to Explore

Oremus Mandolás Dry Furmint is a testament to Vega Sicilia’s commitment to bringing Hungarian wines to the forefront of the global stage. Whether you are a wine collector or an enthusiast seeking an exceptional table wine, this Tokaji dry white wine offers a unique blend of tradition, innovation, and elegance.

Historical Significance

The introduction of this dry style Furmint by Vega Sicilia is not just a contribution to the legacy of Tokaj but a pivotal moment for Hungarian viticulture as a whole. By maintaining indigenous grape cultivation alongside modern practices, it challenges and expands the possibilities of what Tokaji wines can achieve in a contemporary context.