Cistercians
The abbey of Morgeot is part of the history of the Cistercian order, founded in 1098 in Cîteaux, Burgundy.
Around 1160, as part of the expansion of the order, the Abbey of La Ferté (one of the four daughter abbeys of Cîteaux) founded the Abbey of Maizières , which itself established a priory in Morgeot, near Chassagne-Montrachet.
The Cistercians sought a life faithful to the Rule of Saint Benedict , based on simplicity, prayer, and manual labor.
Their motto, Ora et Labora (Pray and work), perfectly illustrates their way of life.
Under the impetus of Saint Bernard of Clairvaux , the order developed rapidly in Europe and became famous for its spiritual role but also for its expertise in land management and agricultural development.
The monks developed viticulture and agriculture there, shaping an exceptional terroir thanks to their expertise in rural management and soil preparation. They cultivated the land, cleared it, built canals and planted vines, laying the foundations for the Premier Cru climate that makes Morgeot famous today.
The Cistercians of Morgeot led a life structured by prayer, work, and discipline. Their daily routine was centered on:
The liturgy: services and prayers according to the Rule of Saint Benedict.
Manual labor: land maintenance, vine cultivation and agricultural production.
Simplicity: understated architecture, functional and austere buildings, reflecting their spiritual ideal.
In the 15th century, during the conflicts related to the succession of Mary of Burgundy, the troops of Louis XI razed the Abbey of Morgeot .
Only a few vestiges remained:
A chapel , a preserved place of prayer.
A bread oven , a symbol of the monks' daily work and their community life.
Despite its destruction, the Cistercian spirit endures in the wine-growing region they shaped.
Today, the Abbaye de Morgeot vineyard is classified as Premier Cru within the Chassagne-Montrachet appellation. The clay-limestone and schist soils reflect the meticulous work of the monks. The wines produced, primarily white Chardonnays , are renowned for their minerality, finesse, and elegance, and still bear the imprint of the Cistercians' discipline and expertise.
Today, several Cistercian abbeys across Europe continue to perpetuate the monastic tradition and the spirit of Ora et Labora . Some still house communities of monks or nuns, while others open their doors to the public to share their historical, spiritual, and architectural heritage. Among them, several stand out for their historical significance, their architectural beauty, or their role in contemporary cultural and spiritual life.
Living Cistercian Abbeys in France
1. Fontenay Abbey (Bourgogne-Franche-Comté)
Founded : 1119 by Saint Bernard.
Special feature : Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is a remarkable example of early Cistercian architecture.
2. Sénanque Abbey (Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur)
Foundation : 1148.
Special feature : Famous for its lavender fields and typical Cistercian architecture.
Living Cistercian Abbeys in Europe
1. Maulbronn Abbey (Germany)
Foundation : 1147.
Special feature : Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is one of the best preserved Cistercian abbeys.
2. Alcobaça Abbey (Portugal)
Foundation : 1153.
Special feature : Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is a major example of Cistercian architecture in Portugal.
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