Evaluation of Furmint clones in the Tokaj Wine Region
Abstract
The ’Furmint’ is the most important grape variety in the Tokaj Wine Region, constituting around 65% of its vineyard area. Before the phylloxera disease many types were grown, but as selection started in the 20th century, its diversity dramatically narrowed. As a result, the cultivation of Furmint was based mainly on two heavy-cropping clones, T.85 and T.92 at the end of the ’80s. Aims of present clone research take into account that after solely quantity as target, quality emerged in the 1990’s and most recently, typicity appeared as more private estates began their own selection program. During our research we observe 10 registered clones and more than 40 clone-candidates, mainly selected in the Research Institute in Pécs, at three locations in the Tokaj Wine Region. Key phenological stages, vegetative growth, fruitfulness, dynamics of maturation, characteristics of cluster and berries were evaluated. Above basic wine analysis methods, gas chromatography – mass spectrometry is used in order to characterize volatile aroma compounds of the microvinificated wines. Furthermore, our ongoing project characterize possible genomic differences among clones by the WGS method. According to our results, cluster and berry size and weight fluctuate between vintages, but relative differences among clones are more stable. Regarding the most promising clone-candidates for premium dry wine, the official clone registration was initiated: P.101, P.10., P.120 and T.8/7575 are already in this process, enriching the assortment of available planting material.
DOI:
Issue: ICGWS 2023
Type: Article
Authors
1University of Tokaj-Hegyalja, Lórántffy Institute, Department of Viticulture and Oenology H-3950 Sárospatak, Eötvös út 7., Hungary
2University of Debrecen, Department of Genetics and Applied Microbiology