Roughly equal parts Sangiovese and Ciliegiolo
Lazio, Italy
The Cistercian order of nuns at Monastero Suore Cistercensi, in Lazio, planted their vineyard in 1963, but it wasn’t until the early 2000's that their wines began to attract more attention, largely due to their employment of the noted winemaking consultant, Giampiero Bea, son and successor to the celebrated Paolo Bea. The wines share Bea's rare combination of wildness and elegance. They are unique, fun and playful, while still showing off serious skill as well as the viticultural heritage of southern Italy.
Fruit is grown organically and naturally in volcanic soils and manually-harvested. The sisters produce a small amount of red wine and “Benedic” is a blend of equal parts Sangiovese and Ciliegiolo. Despite a two-week maceration, “Benedic” is typically a beautifully pale, translucent wine. Registering just 11% alcohol, its color is soft and almost coppery. Aromas of red licorice, dried leaves, and fresh pipe tobacco introduces a palate with a floral edge and gentle tannins.
