Šipon, internationally known as Furmint, is a distinguished white grape variety renowned for producing expressive and age-worthy wines. Its aromatic profile typically features vibrant notes of green apple, pear, quince, and citrus, underpinned by delicate hints of white flowers and sometimes a subtle mineral or smoky character. On the palate, Šipon delivers a lively acidity and impressive structure, often complemented by flavours of honey, dried apricot, and a saline finish when aged.
While Furmint is most famously associated with Hungary’s Tokaj region, where it is the backbone of the celebrated sweet Tokaji wines, Šipon thrives in Slovenia’s Štajerska region, producing both dry and off-dry expressions of notable freshness and complexity. The grape’s versatility allows for a spectrum of styles—from crisp, zesty dry wines with remarkable longevity to beautifully balanced late-harvest and botrytised sweet wines.
Šipon pairs excellently with a wide range of dishes. Its dry versions are ideal alongside seafood, grilled poultry, and fresh goat cheese, while sweeter styles complement blue cheese, fruit-based desserts, and Asian cuisine with spicy or sweet-sour components. These food-pairing affinities, coupled with its distinctive profile, make Šipon a prized variety among wine enthusiasts.
