Rondo is a dark-skinned hybrid grape variety created in 1964 in former Czechoslovakia. It was created by crossing the obscure Zarya Severa and St Laurent and has been a protected variety since 1997. Interestingly, it was first planted in Ireland under the name of ‘Amurensis Walk’ but was renamed the easier to say Rondo in 1999.

Rondo is an early ripening variety that is resistant to many of the vineyard hazards found in Northern European climates such as the UK. Particularly, it has a high resistance to frost and Downy Mildew. Due to this rugged character, this variety can thrive in such hostile climates such as Denmark and Sweden, it is even planted near Fife in Scotland!

Here, in East Sussex, it is blended with the softer Pinot Noir to produce a wonderfully fresh and dry Rose. Medium-bodied with delicate aromas of ripe strawberries and raspberries coupled with delicious summer fruit freshness on the palate. This is an excellent wine.