Suore Cistercensi 'Coenobium' 2024

Let us tell you about one of our favourite stories in the wine world.

Eighty Cistercian nuns live in a monastery about 90 minutes north of Rome, in a town called Vitorchiano. They farm ten acres of vines organically, all by hand. All eighty of them help with the harvest. With some consultation from Giampiero Bea (of the legendary Bea family), they've turned out wines that are made with the same low-tech, hands-off approach that defines the nuns themselves.

Their Coenobium Bianco is a blend of Trebbiano, Verdicchio, and Malvasia. Co-fermented without added yeasts, and aged on its fine lees. It has just a little bit of skin contact to build texture on the palate, but not enough for this to be considered an orange wine. The nose is so whimsical and magical. Fennel fronds, chamomile tea, almonds, tangerine. The palate is full but delicate, with volcanic soils seeping through in a sombre smoke-iron interplay. Glowing acidity, savoury star.

Drink it with a really nice cheese plate. Char some fennel and zucchini on the barbecue. Char a lemon too. Squeeze it over everything. Add mint.