Furmint known in Slovenia as Sipon, is of course the classic white grape variety of Hungary's sweet, golden Tokaji. But an increasing portion of it, even in north east Hungary, is now being vinified dry and shows just how noble this grape variety is. Since about 2003, Hungarian growers have been experimenting with making dry whites from this fiery grape, trying out oak aging and lees contact, and some of them even seeking out specific terroirs most suitable for dry white wine growing. It would seem as though the Verus team has been absorbing all this lessons for this is a delightfully well balanced wine that, like a great Saar Riesling for example, is low in alcohol but high in extract, acidity and - character! This Verus Furmint is 12,5% alcohol and is wonderfully refreshing but the grapes are so high in acidity that it was not picked until the beginning of October. Most of these Slovenian grapes were cool fermented for three weeks in stainless steel but 15% of them were fermented in new French barriques, and a certain amount of lees stirring has also played its ( delightfully non obvious ) part in adding extra layers of fiery, eastern European flavor to a wine that really should titillate your taste buds.