Wine of the Month: Thorn Pinot Noir Rosé

The picturesque ‘white village’ of Thorn in the Dutch province of Limburg, once a powerful abbey site for women from noble families all over Europe, is not just home to white wines – it also produces excellent reds and rosés.

Thorn, the winery, as well as the village, is located close to the Belgian border in one of the driest areas in the Benelux. They are part of the cross-border wine denomination ‘Maasvallei Limburg’, of which Harry Vorselen, the owner of Wijngoed Thorn, was one of the pioneers.

Originally a classical musician, Harry’s life took a turn and he switched to viticulture. In 2001, together with his wife Mieke, he established the estate, gradually expanding with new vineyards and grape varieties, such as Auxerrois, Riesling and Pinot Gris, Dornfelder, Frühburgunder and Pinot Noir.

It is the latter grape from which this salmon-pink, fruity rosé is made, in an appealing, off-dry style. A pinch of residual sweetness balances the zesty acidity and especially the orange and grapefruit bitters, while accentuating the bright, ripe berry fruit. On the palate, wild strawberries and raspberries intertwine with aniseed and heady hawthorn blossoms, ending on a refreshing citrus-bitter note. Perfect for carefree summer sipping, a picnic by the water, a sunny brunch or dinner under the stars!

Vintage: 2022
Alcohol content: 11.5% alcohol
Acidity: 6 g/L
Residual sugar: 7 g/L
Serving temperature: 6-8°C.

Available in their on-site shop, open on select days, and from specialist wine stores.

Kristel Balcaen is a Belgian wine writer, educator and consultant. She is a Sommelier-Conseil, holds the WSET level 4 Diploma, and was named Belgium’s Champagne Ambassador and Wine Lady of the Year in 2018. Her food and wine book, Wijnboek voor Foodies, will be released in September 2023.