The best wines from Pannonhalma in Hungary

Pannonhalma, the second smallest wine district in Hungary, is best known for the ancient Benedictine monastery on the central hill, which has been making good wine for a thousand years: Pannonhalmi Apátsági. They have now outsourced the winemaking to professional oenologists.

The monastery's vineyards extended over the entire region in the Middle Ages. Today, only 620 hectares remain. The main grapes that grow in the cool climate are Riesling, Olaszrizling, Traminer, Chardonnay and Irsai Olivér. The wines made from them are generally fresh and dry. In recent years, Pinot Noir has also been planted, which thrives here and produces fine wines.

A few years ago, the monks of Pannonhalmi Apátsági outsourced the winemaking to professional winemakers. A Hungarian bank finances the new, very professionally set up enterprise. The results are remarkable. The monastery was recently named Hungarian Winery of the Year 2011.