Abbazia di Praglia
In Teolo, an ancient monastery creates a truly special classic method wine
Praglia is the only abbey in the world where Benedictine monks continue to produce the "classic method," following the tradition of Dom Pérignon, a Benedictine monk who invented the technique of naturally making sparkling wine in the 17th century.
Praglia Abbey, at the foot of the Euganean Hills, was founded in the 12th century and achieved its current appearance in the 15th century with the completion of the construction of the four cloisters and the cultivation of 13 hectares of vineyards.
A visit to this marvel leads to the most evocative part of the majestic complex: the cellar, created by emptying the water cistern beneath the hanging cloister at the center of the Abbey. The high vaults are lined with transparent pipes through which, on rainy days, the water that was once collected in the cistern can be seen draining away. Nearby, another vaulted room is where the bottles of sparkling wine are left to ferment before being disgorged and bottled.
Everything is done in an artisanal way using very little technology. The most important ingredients, according to the motto “ora et labora”, are patience and discipline. The monks follow all the phases, from grape harvesting to labeling, assisted by reliable and experienced lay staff.
In the wine list, Emeritus, an extra brut obtained by vinifying Raboso grapes in white, immediately amazes. It’s a wine with a complex aroma and a creamy bubble, definitely one of a kind. More faithful to tradition, but absolutely original in the blend of grapes, are Domnus Abbas Extra Brut and Extra Brut, both obtained with Chardonnay, Raboso, and Garganega grapes. These are also accompanied by the production of reds, whites, and a passito wine made from Raboso grapes left to ripen in the sun under the abbey’s portico.
Before ending your visit, be sure to visit the monumental library; a large room with windows designed to illuminate the environment in the best possible way. The coffered ceiling with precious frescoes overlooks 17th-century bookcases that collect thousands of ancient volumes. In the center, a huge Songbook stands on an ancient contraption used in the past centuries to flip pages automatically.
The Praglia Abbey is an enchanted place where nature and culture come together to generate products with unique flavors. Thanks to the skillful work of the monks, in fact, the most ancient traditions were able to combine with modern tastes, giving us the magical feeling of having visited and savored another era.
Useful Info
Abbazia di Praglia
Via Abbazia di Praglia 16
35037 Teolo, Padova
Tel. +39 049 9999300
For information and costs on visits click here
