Pope Leo XIV celebrated Mass in Monaco on Saturday, March 28, before a crowd of 15,000 people at Louis II Stadium. When he elevated the chalice, offering the "fruit of the vine and work of human hands," this wine became the blood of Christ.
But before this great mystery unfolded, organizers had to solve a minor puzzle: What wine should fill the chalice?
Régis and Aude-Reine Anouil provided the answer. They offered wine from their aptly named estate, La Bénisson-Dieu (God's Blessing), located in France's Loire department.
This winemaking couple previously traveled the world to discover the wines presented on church altars. Afterward, they launched their own production. Today, they actively challenge the bad reputation people in France often associate with "altar wine." They’re determined to shatter these preconceptions.
"It's not just about crafting a beautiful product," Régis Anouil explained. "It's about bringing work we're proud of to the Table, one that meets the requirements of canon law."
Following canon law -- naturally
Canon 924 of the Code of Canon Law specifically addresses this issue. It states that "the wine must be natural from the fruit of the vine and not spoiled."
However, the definition of "natural wine" deserves closer attention. Our winemakers point out that many modern wines undergo heavy modification. Consequently, the couple chose to work under the strict "Vin méthode nature" (Natural Method Wine) label.
To earn this certification, 100% of the grapes must come from committed, certified organic farming. Furthermore, the wine cannot undergo any corrective oenological modifications. Winemakers cannot fine, filter, or add sulfites to the final product.
To maintain these rigorous standards, the couple cultivates only about five acres of vines and harvests entirely by hand.
A 2024 white Grenache
"I wrote to Archbishop David of Monaco to advocate for our wine," Régis Anouil said. "In my view, it perfectly meets canon law's requirement for a natural and unspoiled beverage." For him, paying close attention to the details of the Mass means showing deep respect for God.
The sacraments require specific matter. Fabrice Hadjadj, a French Catholic philosopher and author, emphasized this point during one of his Lenten lectures. "The bread, the wine, the liturgical candles, all require the cultivation of the earth," he observed.
The choice of this wine aligns perfectly with both the sacramental demands and the Church's ecological and social values. Relying on local artisans who respect Creation serves as a powerful, exemplary statement.
In short, Pope Leo XIV held a truly natural wine in his hands at the Monaco Mass. It complied with Canon Law and honored the ecological standards outlined by his predecessor in the encyclical Laudato Si'.
But was it actually a good wine? We'll let Régis Anouil describe it.
"It's a 2024 white Grenache," he detailed. "People appreciate this wine for its balance. The initial taste is marked by present freshness and tension. Then, the mid-palate reveals an ample, generous roundness and richness. Finally, the finish offers pleasant bitter notes and an oxidative nuance, giving it a beautiful length."
Related: Below read a similar story from the United States, about a couple who prepared the olive oil for Chrism and their commitment to the best oils.
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