Monastero Trappiste Vitorchiano Coenobium 2018
Farmed organically on five hectares in the town Vitorchiano, in the region of Lazio (about an hour north of Rome). The sisters of Monastero Suore Cistercensi have gained a cult following among wine aficionados. This wine is a blend of Trebbiano, Verdicchio, and Malvasia which is harvested together and allowed to spontaneously ferment using indigenous yeasts. Aromas in the spectrum of fennel and chamomile there is a distinct autumnal character to this wine that transcends description. Bright acidity rings out and gives life to some delicate spices. Bella!
ORGANIC / BIODYNAMIC / NATURAL
Monastero Trappiste Vitorchiano Coenobium Ruscum 2018
The Cistercian order of nuns at Monastero Suore Cistercensi, near Vitorchiano in Lazio planted their vineyard in 1963, but it wasn’t until the early 2000s that their wines began to attract more attention, largely due to their employment of the noted winemaking consultant, Giampiero Bea. Made from a blend of Trebbiano, Malvasia, and Verdicchio, Coenobium Ruscum is an “orange” wine, with the pressed juice given extended skin contact, in this case 15 days or more. Fairly light in body given the long skin contact, the wine is scented with mint and herbs; on the palate it has a mouth-filling texture with flavors of baked apple and caramel.