This is not your typical Italian wine producer. Monastero Suore Cistercensi wines are grown and raised by the Roman Catholic Sisters of the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance, under the guidance of Giampiero Bea, son of well-known minimal intervention wine producer, Paulo Bea. The Sisters are part of an order of monks and nuns with origins tracing back to 1098. The monastery is situated about 50km north of Rome in the town of Vitiorchiano. It is a self-sustaining community who produce not only wine but cheese, beer, spirits, and sweets to make their living while striving to improve viticulture and preserve their land. Every year these 80-ish women produce these wines from their vineyards, farmed organically (certified since 1993) on volcanic soils, harvested without machinery, fermented with only native yeasts, and bottled without fining, filtration or any additions including sulphur.

Trebbiano, Malvasia & Verdicchio spent one week on skins before ageing in fibreglass tanks for around 12 months before bottling. Poached quince, rosemary, almond, and salinity for days. A delightfully generous palate weight but enough acidity to keep it fresh & lifted. This wine enjoys a little air and a slightly warmer drinking temp so give the glass a swirl, give it a few minutes and its true beauty will be revealed.