In the serene surroundings of the Abbey of Notre-Dame de Fidélité in Jouques, near Aix-en-Provence, an extraordinary blend of sacred music and fine wine is flourishing. Known for their involvement in the Neumz project—a smartphone app streaming the Gregorian chant repertoire of the Novus Ordo liturgy—the nuns of this Benedictine community have gained international acclaim not just for their spiritual contributions but also for their exceptional Provence wines.
A Legacy of Excellence
Since their arrival in Jouques in 1967, the 45 nuns of the Abbey have embraced the Benedictine tradition of prayer and work. They have transformed their 150-acre estate into a hub of local delicacies, including oils, hydrolats, jams, honey, and cookies, all produced from the abundant fruit and olive trees, lavender, and einkorn on their land.
Their vineyard, covering 20 acres, was initially rehabilitated from abandoned vineyards and apricot groves. It wasn’t until 2005 that the abbey started producing marketable wines, guided by designs from Mother Geneviève Gallois, a revered artist of the community. The first two red wines, Louange and Fidelis, quickly became emblematic of their craft. Louange, a blend of Syrah and old Grenache, is celebrated for its rich, fruity notes and the quality enhancement from old vines. Fidelis, made from Merlot, boasts aromas of red fruit and black cherry, showcasing the diverse profile of their wine offerings.
Expanding Horizons with Rosé
By 2017, recognizing the significance of rosé in Provence’s wine culture, the abbey planted 6 acres specifically for this purpose. The result, Exsulta, combines Grenache, Syrah, and Caladoc into an elegant rosé with pale pink color and citrus notes. Since its debut in 2020, Exsulta has garnered positive reviews, reinforcing the abbey’s reputation for producing quality wines that reflect the Provence region’s essence.
Committed to Quality
The nuns are dedicated to maintaining high standards in their wine production. They hand-pick grapes for their red wines, while the rosé grapes are mechanically harvested in the early hours of the morning to minimize the time between picking and pressing. This meticulous process ensures the highest quality, a testament to their commitment to excellence. The wine-making itself is carried out in a neighboring village’s cellar, closely monitored by the nuns through to the final tasting and bottling.
Symbolism in Every Sip
The abbey’s wines carry deep symbolic meaning linked to their liturgical practices. Louange is named after the Divine Office or Liturgy of the Hours, Fidelis reflects the abbey’s dedication, and Exsulta draws inspiration from Zechariah 9:9, symbolizing joy and celebration. Each wine is a tribute to the divine gift of the land and the labor of the nuns, encapsulating the communion between spiritual devotion and earthly craftsmanship.
A Divine Reward
For the nuns of the Abbey of Notre-Dame de Fidélité, their winemaking is not just a business but a spiritual practice. Their wines, enjoyed by connoisseurs and used in their own celebrations, represent a harmonious blend of divine gift and human effort. This unique integration of Gregorian chant and wine production highlights the abbey’s ongoing commitment to both their spiritual and practical endeavors, providing a glimpse into the sacred and the sublime as they nurture their land and craft their wines.
As they continue to garner attention for their wines and their role in the Neumz project, the abbey’s efforts illustrate a profound intersection of faith, tradition, and modern entrepreneurship, enriching both their local and international communities.
