After 2010, this year, in 2023, the Pannonhalma Benedictine Abbey Winery won the “Winery of the Year”. Their winery has been found worthy of recognition for the second time.
The award was founded by the Hungarian Wine Academy, the National Council of Mountain Communities and the Association of Hungarian Wine Growers. The award is given every year to a winery that sets the standard in the Hungarian wine industry. The award ceremony was held in the Viator event center of the Pannonhalm Archabbey in the presence of distinguished representatives of the wine industry, supporters and journalists.
The professional program started from the tasting terrace with a retrospective wine tour, in the framework of which head winemaker Zsolt Liptai spoke about the circumstances of the re-establishment, the experiences of the first years with the late consultant Tibor Gál, viticulture and winemaking work, technological developments and cultural events, while it was possible to taste the Winery’s offer from station to station items known as its main elements. The lavender plantations in the monastery and the wonderful view of the landscape stretching to the east are worth to highlight in the company of fine wines. The wanderer award by István Madarassy Kossuth-prized sculptor and goldsmith. From the sculptor veil was lifted which was named Szőlősgazda (Grape Owner) and the decorative certificate and the commemorative package were handed over by the representatives of the tendering organizations in the presence of the artist.
Abbot T. Cirill Hortobágyi reminded those at present … going back-in-time … that in 996, Prince Géza settled the fit monks from Bohemia on the Holy Mountain of Pannonia. Upon their arrival, the Benedictine monks not only founded a church and a school, but also brought with them the agricultural and craft culture necessary for settled life. They tried to be self-sufficient. Grape and wine culture also belonged to this, so the abbey had vineyards on the surrounding hills from its foundation. The monastery built in honor of St. Martin of Tours, according to the intention of the princely foundation, became the eastern bridgehead of the culture of medieval Europe. Saint István (1000-1038), the first Hungarian king, visited its walls regularly.
From the terrace the monastery and its surroundings were simply stunning amazing. Following the reception of the award ceremony, the invited regions winemakerkers, distinguished guests and media representatives were welcomed tasting the local white-and-red wines and at the time being listen to the excellences of the Hungarian jazz life Tamás Berki – jazz singer, Péter Sárik – Erkel award-winning jazz pianist, alongside András Jász – jazz saphonist, absolutely matched the uplifting atmosphere … music and wines perfectly hand-in-hand.
The Pannonhalma Benedictine Abbey Winery farms lies in the area of 52 hectares, thanks to its ten-year replanting program, only harvests grapes from newly established and now fully productive plantations, reaching its winemaking capacity with an annual production of 400,000 bottles.
The wines from Pannonhalma Benedictine Abbey are present on the market in Hungary, in many European countries, and forthermore winelovers can reach them even overseas.
One of the most favorit among the tasters was the Pannonhalma Pinor Noir – ALC 14.5 % – 2018 PDO … The grapes for this Pinot Noir have been harvested from 3 local vineyards, each site contributing its own distinstive characher. The wine was matured in Hungarian oak barrels for 10 months prior to bottling.
Must admit absolutely mouthwatering the Pannonhalma Hermina – AlC14% -2021 – PDO… Quality Dry Red Wine … was said the following: “Everyone has his own gift from God, one in this way and another in that (1.Cor.7.7) It is therefore with some misgiving to that we regulate the measure of the men’s sustenance. Never-the-less, keeping in view, we belive that a hermina wine a day is sufficient for each-and-everyone (Rule of Saint Benedict)”
Overall let the slideshow snaps speak about the uplifting event.
Riport and snpas by Aggie Reiter
Rolling in Budapest 