When one thinks of Tuscan alcohol, wine is likely what first comes to mind and, perhaps, dessert wines such as Vin Santo. One pictures the endless vines growing in the lush countryside of Chianti and the pretty wineries that range from historic and traditional to impossibly cool and innovative and from ancient estates to contemporary architectural gems. One probably doesn't immediately think of monks and, yet, if you have found a villa in Montalcino, another of the region's most important wine zones, then you'll discover that one of the most intriguing alcoholic beverages produced in the area comes from a monastery.
Amaro di Sant'Antimo is a bitter liqueur made by the monks of the beautiful Abbey of Sant'Antimo, located in a pretty valley just outside Montalcino. Steeped in local tradition, the origins of this beverage are obscured by legend. According to tales from the area, the drink dates back to the 8th century when Charlemagne's troops found themselves both in the valley in which the abbey now stands and struck by the plague. As one might imagine, this is not exactly conducive to winning battles but, luckily, legend has it that an angel miraculously arrived with the Carlina acaulis flower, a key ingredient that was used to create a curative tincture to heal his troops. To thank God for his intercession on their behalf, Charlemagne is then said to have had a church built on the site.
This origin tale, of course, cannot be quite substantiated but, nonetheless, that same ingredient, the Carlina acuaulis flower is known to have been highly respected and used by people of the area since at least the Middle Ages. And it does have a long history of being used for its medicinal purposes. In fact, Amaro di Sant'Antimo did begin life as a healing potion used by the Benedictine monks who set up in the valley and supposed site of this miracle in the 9th century. Eventually, the recipe was adapted and it began to be consumed as a liqueur instead.
The monks who work the land around the abbey and create Amaro also produce cosmetics, sweet treats, and beer, all of which can be purchased from the shop next to the abbey when visiting the lovely grounds and stunning Romanesque building. If you have found a vacation rental in Montalcino and are a serious foodie out to find the more unique and special local culinary products, be sure to stop by this fascinating abbey in Tuscany.
This origin tale, of course, cannot be quite substantiated but, nonetheless, that same ingredient, the Carlina acuaulis flower is known to have been highly respected and used by people of the area since at least the Middle Ages. And it does have a long history of being used for its medicinal purposes. In fact, Amaro di Sant'Antimo did begin life as a healing potion used by the Benedictine monks who set up in the valley and supposed site of this miracle in the 9th century. Eventually, the recipe was adapted and it began to be consumed as a liqueur instead.
The monks who work the land around the abbey and create Amaro also produce cosmetics, sweet treats, and beer, all of which can be purchased from the shop next to the abbey when visiting the lovely grounds and stunning Romanesque building. If you have found a vacation rental in Montalcino and are a serious foodie out to find the more unique and special local culinary products, be sure to stop by this fascinating abbey in Tuscany.
Photo credit: Peter K Burian / CC BY-SA 4.0
