2019 Monastero Suore Cistercensi Benedic

Lazio, Italy

30 miles north of Rome, in the town of Vitiorchiano, there is an order of Cistercian nuns who produce natural wine under the guidance of one of Italy’s most prominent low-intervention producers, Giampiero Bea. They are a self-sustaining community, producing not only wine but also cheese, beer, spirits and sweets to make their living while striving to improve viticulture and to preserve the land.


 The sisters are best known for their white wines made from Trebbiano, Malvasia, Verdicchio and Grechetto, but they also make this stunning red from equal parts Sangiovese and Ciliegiolo, with a tiny splash of Merlot. In 2020 we only got access to 24 bottles and I loved it so much I bought nearly half of it! This year we were fortunate to get our hands on enough to share with our BRICKS 6 members and also have a bit for the shelves too!

Notes of tart red cherries are prominent on the nose and palate (Ciliegiolo gets its name from the Italian word for cherry). You’ll also find subtle notes of blood orange, balsamic, clove and tomato leaf.

Serve chilled! Like fridge cold!

I highly, highly, HIGHLY suggest you order The Roni from Noble Pie Pizza to pair with this (don’t forget the Mike’s Hot Honey). I actually stock up on this wine to have anytime we order from Noble!

This will also go great with pretty much anything served in or with tomato sauce!

$32.95