Last June, at the beautiful Fossanova Abbey in the province of Latina, Luciano Lombardi “Vignadelmar” participated for us in the annual edition of Vini d’Abbazia.
Wines of Abbey is a beautiful event, which has the idea of networking producers and wines that value vineyards of monastic origin and also wines directly produced by monks in French and Italian abbeys. Of course, the latter are now a rarity, because the various abbeys have often delegated the entire production process in their own vineyards and cellars to outside wineries.
The fact remains that history has taught us the ancient ability to make good wine and that this survived through the skillful monastic work of the dark ages following the collapse of the Roman Empire, at least until the Renaissance. E these abbeys often still have vineyards in fantastic and unique locations. Other abbeys no longer exist but their vineyards are owned by many varied producers. This has also been expanded to include the participation of good local producers, in a choral effort to make the whole surrounding area known and appreciated.
The crowded tasting tables were held in the Abbey Cloister, while master classes and lectures were held in the Refectory and Chapter House, that is, in monumental and splendid spaces built some seven to eight centuries ago. And this alone would be enough to justify the visit.
The masterclasses
The program of masterclasses was very interesting and varied: “Cesanese wine of the Popes”; “The joy of bubbles”; “The wine of the Romans, nectar of history”; “Amphora Revolution” (in collaboration with the Merano Wine Festival); “Ancient roots and innovative ideas: wine according to women”; “The journey” and finally “Emotions of women, emotions of wine.” Each masterclass included a guided tasting of different wines, conducted by industry journalists, sommeliers, and experts. Following the exhibits, looking at photos of the places, drinking the wines, one could see how much the beauty and uniqueness of the places, the related vineyards and their tradition cultural and cultural, would then be found in the wine glass. Is it just poetry? Absolutely not.
Also very interesting was the masterclass “The Culture of Extra Virgin Olive Oil,” held by the local Capol (Centro Assaggiatori Produzioni Olivicole Latina), in collaboration with the association of “Italy’s Most Beautiful Villages.” Tasting four delicious and diverse local oils from monocultivar, explained to us how to properly taste and evaluate a quality oil. Inviting us to consume more and perhaps using a bottle of good oil as a gift, as we commonly do with a bottle of wine. Honestly, this invitation made me think: I have never given as a gift or brought to a dinner party a bottle of fine oil…I need to remedy that!
Outside the abbey, a dozen small food stands, curated by Slow Food, where local artisans sold their products, providing us with the hearty, quality meal. Good wine should always be paired with equally good food.
In short, a beautiful and successful event with a very interesting and hitherto little explored focus. See you next year!
