Abbaye de Lérins

The terroir of Lérins Abbey

The Abbey of Lérins occupies a territory that is part of the commune of Cannes, in the Alpes-Maritimes department, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. The vineyards flourish in a luminous landscape, surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

The monks of Lérins Abbey settled here in 405 and are still here today. 21 Cistercian monks make their living from producing wines and liqueurs, applying the Benedictine doctrine of "ora et labora": pray and work.

The surface of the Lérins Abbey terroir is composed of red clayey silt, ranging from 30 to 1.20 meters thick. It overlies magnesium-rich dolomite and sedimentary rocks, mostly limestone.

Lérins Abbey vineyards

The Abbey of Lérins vineyard officially dates back to the Middle Ages and perhaps even earlier. It is located in the center of the island and covers just over 8 hectares. Between 25 and 80 years old, 5 hectares of vines are dedicated to red wine and the rest to white wine.

The grape varieties are Pinot noir, Syrah and Mourvèdre for the red wine; Chardonnay, Clairette and Viognier for the white wine. The vines are harvested green, which means that any excess bunches are removed before veraison. This reduces production to 40,000 bottles a year, but magnifies the excellence of the wine. The vines are grown mechanically, without the use of chemicals.

Lérins Abbey wine: "An island, brothers, a great wine"

Lérins Abbey offers red and white wine, but no rosé. The range also extends to liqueurs. Here are some of their best productions.

Red wine from Abbaye de Lérins

Saint Sauveur: with its intense garnet color, Saint Sauveur produces flavors of red fruits, blackberries and blueberries, accompanied by a hint of violet. Its silky tannins emanate spicy notes and a very fresh finish.

Saint Eucher: made from Pinot noir and Chardonnay from Burgundy's Côtes de Nuits, Saint Eucher boasts a magnificent carmine color with ruby highlights. Its aromas of green pepper, redcurrants and cherries are magnified by its delicate tannins.

Lérins Abbey white wine

Saint Pierre: with its delicate straw-yellow color, tinged with golden highlights, Saint Pierre offers a nose of citrus and honey, enhanced by subtle notes of boxwood. Its mineral finish coats the palate and brings out its iodized touch. Sainte Ombeline: produced from vines protected from the sea breeze by a wall of fencing, Sainte Ombeline Chardonnay has a golden yellow color. Its nose is delicate, with hints of citrus and broom flowers. It reveals a subtle acidity that magnifies the notes of roasted almonds.

Liqueurs de l'Abbaye de Lérins

l Abbaye de Lérins offers a variety of liqueurs: Lérincello, Mandarine, Lérina Jaune, Verveine, Sénancole, Lérina verte, to name but a few.