The wines of Monastero Suore Cistercensi, produced by the Cistercian sisters at their monastery in Vitorchiano (Lazio), are a fascinating intersection of spiritual dedication, volcanic terroir, and natural-wine philosophy. The sisters farm roughly five hectares of vines on volcanic soils north of Rome, using manual labour, organic methods (sulphur and copper only, permanent grassing between rows) and spontaneous fermentations. The result is wines that wear their place and process on their sleeve: modest in yield, pared-back in technology, but rich in mineral drive and soulful character. They remain faithful to simplicity — a cellar that is more a tool-shed than a showpiece, yet producing wines of remarkable authenticity.
Into this setting stepped Giampiero Bea, son of the celebrated Paolo Bea of Montefalco, whose subtle but firm guidance has helped the sisters refine their approach while staying true to their ethos. Around the early 2000s, Bea became their consultant, encouraging them to embrace natural-wine techniques — native yeasts, minimal intervention, non-filtration, no temperature control, and, in some cases, extended skin contact for whites. His influence can be seen in the clarity of their expression: the volcanic soils articulate through terroir-driven minerality and tension, while the wines retain a spirited lightness, clarity and freshness. The pairing of Bea’s wisdom with the sisters’ quiet devotion has resulted in wines that are both expressive and delightful — playful yet serious, and deeply reflective of their place. 
2024 “Coenobium” — A white blend (Trebbiano, Verdicchio, Malvasia) that is vinified spontaneously, often with some skin contact and always naturally. Think of bright citrus peel and tangerine blossom aromas, a sash of fennel fronds, underpinned by a subtle smoke-iron minerality from the volcanic soils, finishing with clean acidity and a savory, light saline edge. Special Price $34.99 
2024 “Ruscum” — From the same grapes as Coenobium but with longer maceration on skins (two weeks or more), this white begins to push into orange-wine territory. Expect golden hues, richer texture, herbal-anise notes, wild flowers, and pronounced minerality — deeper and more meditative than Coenobium. Special Price $39.99 
2024 “Benedic” — A rosso made from equal parts Sangiovese and Ciliegiolo, grown with the same low-intervention approach. The wine offers fresh red-cherry and cranberry fruit, subtle underbrush and floral hints, translucent color, gentle tannins and a light, easy-going body that speaks of the monastic ethos and the low-yields of the tiny production. Special Price $39.99
Wine will be ready for delivery by end of next week Il Censo is a 65-hectare estate in Bivona, Sicily, owned by Gaetano and Nicoletta Gargano who lineage to the land dates back 200 years). Over 25 years ago Gaetano met Giampiero Bea, and, inspired by the Bea family’s work in Montefalco, he asked Bea to guide the revival of Il Censo.
Under Giampiero Bea’s direction, Il Censo has planted vineyards (initially 5 hectares, later an additional 4) with varieties such as Catarratto, Perricone, Nero d’Avola, and Malvasia Nera. The farming is fully organic (certified since 2014), with biodynamic practices in some cases, and the winemaking follows Bea’s natural wine principles: estate fruit only, manual harvest, indigenous yeasts, skin contact fermentations and minimal sulfur, no fining or filtration.
Giampiero Bea isn’t just a consultant in name: he shapes both vineyard work and cellar practices at Il Censo, ensuring that the resulting wines reflect the volcanic soils, high altitude, and old world, low-intervention philosophy for which he is known.
Today we have the honor of presenting the first of many gems we’ll showcase in the year ahead. This Nero d’Avola, crafted under the full guidance, mentorship, and hands-on direction of Giampiero Bea, not only bears a label reminiscent of Bea but also embodies the same spirit: a deep communion with the land, allowing nature to give and humans simply to shepherd it into bottle—the Bea way. 
The 2018 700 Nero d’Avola Terre Siciliane Rosso is a striking, artisanal expression of Sicily’s noble red grape, crafted in tiny quantities with a focus on purity and authenticity. Grown at altitude, the fruit shows lifted aromatics of black cherry, wild plum, Mediterranean herbs, and a touch of spice, framed by freshness and fine, chalky tannins that set it apart from more commercial renditions of Nero d’Avola. The 2018 vintage carries both ripeness and poise, offering a supple mid-palate yet a long, mineral-etched finish. Rare and soulful, this is a bottle that speaks not of mass production but of careful hands and a deep respect for Sicilian terroir. Special price $25.99
Wine will be ready for delivery by end of next week The wines of Paolo Bea stand as some of the most influential and singular in all of Italy, embodying a philosophy of winemaking that prizes authenticity, patience, and a deep respect for nature. Guided by the Bea family’s unwavering belief that wine should reflect the rhythms of the earth and the spirit of its maker, each bottle is crafted without compromise—native yeasts, long macerations, and extended aging create wines of profound texture, energy, and soul. Revered by natural wine pioneers and classical purists alike, Paolo Bea has become a touchstone for integrity and individuality, showing that true greatness lies not in fashion or perfection, but in honest, living expression. Below is an offering of both his new vintages due in next week and some rare cellared bottles we are offering for our temp-controlled cellar.
Paolo Bea Santa Chiara Umbria Bianco 2021 750ml Special Price $67.99
Paolo & Giampiero Bea Arboreus Trebbiano Spoletino 2016 750ml Special Price $69.99
Special Price $89.99
Paolo Bea Pagliaro Montefalco Sagrantino Secco 2019 750ml Special Price $114.99
Paolo & Giampiero Bea Cotidie Umbria Rosso 2022 750ml Special Price $67.99
Paolo Bea Montefalco Riserva Pipparello 2008 750ml Special Price $109.99
Paolo Bea Sagrantino di Montefalco Secco Pagliaro 2007 1.5L Special Price $299.99
Paolo Bea Montefalco Riserva Pipparello 2009 750ml Special Price $109.99
Paolo Bea Montefalco Riserva Pipparello 2010 750ml Special Price $109.99
Paolo Bea Arboreus Umbria Bianco 2010 750ml Special Price $89.99 |
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