The renowned Umbrian winemaker Giampiero Bea was elemental to the discovery of the wines of Suore Cistercensi. Giampiero was struck by the honesty in these simple wines and introduced his importer, Rosenthal Wine Merchants, to these Sisters of the Cistercian order living in Lazio, not far outside of Rome.  He started consulting and offering winemaking advice and the wines started to receive more worldwide attention.  Seventy women of this religious order organically farm 5 hectares of vineyards. The vines were planted in the early 1960’s on volcanic subsoil. All the vineyard work is done by the nuns including green pruning and harvest. The wines are made in a decidedly hands-off manner with native yeast fermentation and no temperature control. We always look forward to the arrival of these humbly made wines.

We will taste the newly landed 2018 lineup!

2018 Monastero Suore Cistercensi Coenobium
A blend of Trebbiano, Malvasia, Verdicchio and Grechetto all co-fermented and aged on its fine lees in stainless steel and fiberglass tanks. 2018 was solar vintage so the wine is more substantial without lacking acidity (and not unintentionally, but pleasantly, sparkling like the 2017’s.) Notes of green apple and wildflower honey. The wine is bottled without fining or filtering.

2018 Monastero Suore Cistercensi Coenobium Ruscum
Coenobium’s big sister. It is the same a blend of Trebbiano, Malvasia Verdicchio and Grechetto but the juice is left to ferment on the skins for 2+ weeks, extracting deep color. Given the time on the skins, the tannins are very well integrated and not drying. Richly textured with apricot and wild herb notes, but with enough verve to keep it friendly and appealing to all wine lovers, not just orange wine fans.  

2018 Monastero Suore Cistercensi Benedic Rosso
Approximately equal parts Sangiovese and Ciliegiolo. Fresh cherries, tea and subtle spice notes served best on the slightly cooler side. Their importer speaks of this wine as being pure and ethereal “with no makeup and no pretension”, so it obviously sounds right up our alley!