At Vino, all our wines have stories. Some just happen to be longer than others. Take for instance, our Hungarian producer Pannonhalmi Apátsági Pincészet. Benedictine monks founded the monastery in 996 (this estate is so old it predates the existence of the Cabernet Sauvignon variety by more than 500 years); fast-forward to present day and one can still enjoy wine from this historical phenomenon. We are thrilled to offer their aromatic white blend called “Tricollis.” At only $12 bottle, it’s one of the greatest bargains we’ve happened upon in the last few months.

A thousand years is long time for a winery. Luckily, the history of the estate has been chronicled in a 19-page booklet which for those truly curious can be viewed here. For those who want the shortened version, the winery had its ups and downs for the greater part of its existence. After WWII, the rise of Communism forced the abbey to give up first some then all of its vineyards to local cooperatives. The following half century of crappy wine resulted in the fall of Communism. In 2000, the abbey repurchased vineyards that had been confiscated by the Communists and began replanting vines in the same year. Under the guidance of the late, great winemaker Tibor Gál (above; he made Ornellaia for many years), vineyards were replanted and a modern, three tier gravity flow cellar was built (below). The property currently has 37 hectares under vines with the first harvest having taken place in fall of 2003.

According to website of importer Michael Skurnik, the “topographical conditions resemble those of the upper Loire Valley or Alsace. Sustainable farming practices are used and the harvest is by hand. The majority of the vineyards are planted to Riesling, Gewürztraminer and Sauvignon Blanc producing dry, characterful, aromatic wines.” Tricollis is a blend of a few of these varieties; it composed of 40% Riesling, 40% Welshriesling and 20% Tramini (aka Gewürztraminer). The wine is crisp, clean and bright with floral aromas. It’s as nimble and fine-tuned as a gymnast in top form (surely the result of being grown in the soils of a former Soviet satellite). There you have it: founded by monks, foiled by Communists, Pannonhalmi Apátsági Pincészet is back and we’re drinking better for it.

Pannonhalmi Apátsági Pincészet
$12

For more information please call 212-725-6516 or email info@vinosite.com.