10 great wines to remember, #1

Towards the end of the year, we look back to some of the great wine moments we have enjoyed. All the 10 wines we will list until New Year’s Eve are special for some reason and they are all worth buying, multiple bottles, if you can afford. (The order is NOT a ranking.)
(Cover picture background was painted by Emma Katalin Dobos)

Pannonhalma is one of the smallest wine regions of Hungary, a place to watch. Babarczi is a family winery making crispy, lovely white and rosé wines, and recently producing memorable red wines as well.
Marianum, the name refers to the founder’s wife, the deceased mother, whose memory is cherished by the son and daughter, László and Zsuzsanna.
Marianum is a typical example of Cabernet Franc with a basket of berry fruits on the nose (blackberry, blueberry, red currant) and also a lot of spices, even a hint of oriental spices. It has a decent body, yet, I would say it is more of a sleek beauty than a blockbuster beast. It has its integrated tannins (the wine aged in French and Hungarian oak for 10 months), it has the body, it has pleasant acidity but most of all it has balance, elegance, harmony. A charming Cabernet Franc that leaves you cry for another glass.
It has been selected the Best Wine of Pannonhalma this year at the regional wine contest, where 113 wines were tasted.
In the latest issue of Vince wine magazine, Marianum received 4 stars, which means “outstanding”.

Vince magazine review:

Deep ruby colour. Complex, intense nose full of red fruits, especially sour cherry accompanied by some oaky notes and sweet spices. When tasted, it fills the mouth all around. Ripened, integrated tannins, silky texture, vibrant acidity. Fruity palate with significant barrel notes.
It has an ageing potential of at least 3 more years.
Retail price is around 25 EUR.

More about Babarczi Vineyard and Winery

How did it start?

Zsuzsi’s diary – the winemaker’s life

Success of earlier vintages of Marianum

Babarczi Marianum – gold again!