Pannonhalmi Apatsagi Pinceszet 'Tricollis' Rosé Pannonhalma 2023

From Pannonhalmi Apátsági Pincészet (literally “The Abbey Winery in Pannonhalma” translated from Hungarian), this unique rosé from northwestern Hungary is a charming value: a blend of 30% merlot, 25% kékfrankos (blaufränkisch), 25% pinot noir, and 20% cabernet franc from the Tavaszó, Babszökő, Széldomb vineyards, which were planted between 2001-2002 on the south and southwestern slopes of a plateau. The Pannonhalma region lies equidistant between Budapest and Vienna, and has a winemaking tradition dating back to 996 (yes, over 1000 years ago!), when Benedictine monks founded the monastery of Pannonhalma. Although winemaking was interrupted by social and political turmoil following WWII, it has since been revived under the guidance of master winemaker Tibor Gál. Sustainably grown grapes were fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel, leading to a medium-bodied texture on the palate; it offers refreshing layers of fleshy peach and strawberry with a zesty squeeze of blood orange on the long, weighty finish. Sustainably grown.