2016 Monastero Suore Cistercensi ‘Benedic’ Rosso

Region: Lazio < Italy
Grapes: Sangiovese, Ciliegiolo
Vineyard/Cellar Stats: Certified organic farming with no additions of any kind; volcanic soil; grapes destemmed and macerated on the skins for 2 weeks; bottled unfined/unfiltered; with minimal SO2; 11% ABV
Winemaker: Giampero Bea  

A second wine from the saintly sisters of the Monastero Suore Cisterci, who produce a tiny amount of red wine alongside their white blend, the Coenobieum, also featured this month. We were stoked to grab one of the only 6 cases imported to the US of the charming ‘Benedic’, which, despite a two-week maceration, emerges as a beautifully pale, almost translucent, 11% ABV wine. It’s gentle and soft, a glowy coppery color in the glass, with red licorice, blood orange and tobacco butting up against a floral edge. Chill slightly, cue up some classical music (or better yet, Benedectine chants) and sip mindfully as the peaceful vibes wash over you…ommmmmm