The history of the monks is intimately connected with the history of some of the most well-known wines of France and globally. To quote but some of the famous wines and terroirs of the Cistercians: Bonnes mares, Chablis, Clos de Tart, Clos Vougeot, Meursault, Musigny, Morey-Saint Denis in Burgundy, Vacqueyras in the Rhône valley or Château de la Tour Blanchein in Bordeaux.

From the very beginning, the order of Cîteaux has always been very united, cultivating a strong sense of belonging to the wider Order. The thousands of monasteries throughout Europe in the 13th century were closely connected by the Carta Caritatis or Charter of Charity.

The Charter of Charity was a pioneering document that established the constitutional framework of the Order. Its name comes from Saint Etienne Harding, the third abbot of Cîteaux. He and his brothers wanted to ensure mutual peace and bequeathed this pact of brotherhood to their descendants. The charter defines the rule of life for Cistercian monks, emphasising a simple life of work, love, prayer and self-denial which was to be shared by all the associated communities no matter where they were located.

The aim of the Charter of Charity was thus to prevent the initial values of the founders being misinterpreted, not only over time but also because of geographical location. The Charter was revised on several occasions – the initial Charter was devised around the year 1119, an updated version being developed between 1165 and 1173.

The Charter of Charity laid down relationships between the abbeys. Although each monastery was independent, it was obliged to obey the abbot of the founding Monastery, who visited at least once a year.

The monastery which founded a new offspring was known as the “Mother-House and the newly formed monastery as the “Daughter House”. The abbot of the founding monastery is known as the “Immediate Father” or the “Father Abbot”.

For various reasons a monastery may change allegiance. This does not change in any shape or form the relationship existing between the “Immediate Father” and the “Daughter House”.

“The General Chapter”, a meeting of all the abbots of the order, is described by the Charter as the supreme government of the order. This meeting is held annually to discuss the observance of and digressions from the rule of St Benedict and the rules of the order.

The beauty of Cistercian architecture can be attributed to its pure and minimalist lines, which seem to carry a secret message. Particular care is taken over acoustics in order to enhance plainsong. Stained glass is used in order to reduce or intensify the light and to highlight important liturgical moments. Even the proportions of the buildings are calculated according to the symbolism of now long forgotten mathematics. This architecture meets clearly defined spiritual and psychological needs ….

The contribution of the Cistercians to various methods of agriculture was also remarkable. Their motto was: “under the Cross and the plough”. The most remarkable success of in the history of monastic wine production is without a doubt the creation of the vineyard Clos Vougeot in Burgundy. The following proverb can be applied in particular to Cistercians of Burgundy: “He sees God who drinks good wine!”