Here’s the 14th installment of The Wine Chef’s December "Advent Calendar" wine series.

Királyudvar Tokaji Furmint Sec 2020

Hungary’s Tokaj region is famous for its sweet aszú wines, once dubbed “the wine of kings and the king of wines” by Louis XIV. But the Furmint grape, key to these sweet wines, shines just as brightly in dry whites, which are finally gaining well-deserved attention.

Dry Furmint is known for its spicy, sometimes smoky aromas, a rich mid-palate, and refreshing acidity that makes them incredibly food-friendly.

As British wine expert Tim Atkin puts it, Furmint is like a “white grape supergroup,” combining the aromatic punch of Sauvignon Blanc, the richness of Chardonnay, and the crisp minerality of Riesling—all in one glass.

The Királyudvar Tokaji Furmint Sec 2020 (approx. $29) is a stellar example of what dry Furmint can achieve. Bright citrus notes of lemon and grapefruit pair beautifully with green apple, pear, and a touch of minerality, while a hint of white pepper and lively acidity keep it crisp and balanced.

It’s the kind of wine you can pair with almost anything—think seafood, creamy dishes, or even a simple roast chicken. This food-friendliness is why I chose it as the white wine for my daughter’s wedding—it was perfect with a lemon-dressed salad appetizer and all three main courses: black bass with pickled peppers and cauliflower purée, short ribs with crème fraîche and chimichurri, and vegetarian lasagna with ricotta and olive pesto.

If you’re curious about exploring what Tokaj has to offer beyond sweet wines, this bottle is a fantastic place to start.