The monks of the Abbey of Lerins grow eight hectares of wines with the best grapes compounds on the
These great wines produced by the work of the monks have reputations that transcend borders.
The wines from the abbey of Lerins are produced from a rigorous selection of the best grape varieties: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Mourvèdre.
The careful work of the monks allows the production of three great vintages: St Salonius,
The island of Saint Honorat is located just off the bay of Cannes and surrounded by the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean. Peaceful and unspoilt, the island used to be called “Lérina”. Vines have been cultivated on the island since medieval times.
In about 405 AD, the monk Honorat and his companions founded a monastic community on the island… his example has been followed through 16 centuries to the present day - a way of life based around work, prayer and self-sufficiency. Today 25 monks live according to the rule of St Benedict, continuing the tradition and living modestly from the products of their vines and the fabrication of liqueurs. The monks apply through their way of life the Benedictine convention: “ora et labora” work and prayer…
The vineyard, located in the central part of the island, is made up of eight hectares: four hectares are devoted to the production of red wine and four to white wine. The clay and limestone soil, which is silt-laden and sandy, is particularly rich in organic plant matter. The effect of the nearby sea also adds to the singularity of the wine and helps develop its typical characteristics.
The grapes are cared for and harvested each year by the monks. Brother Marie, who has followed a course in of oenology at the agricultural school of Hyères, supervises the production, with the help of the oenologist Jean Michel Novelle and advice from Eric Verdier and Jean Lenoir. All processes (pruning, removal of unwanted buds and grape harvesting) are carried out by hand. Machinery is used only for the maintenance of the soil quality and for treatments. To preserve this exceptional terroir, as well as the unique flora and fauna, the brothers use regulated photosanitary treatments.
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