In all branches of Christianity (Orthodox, Catholic, and Protestant), Messwein (also altar wine) plays a central role in somewhat different forms. The transformation of bread and wine into Christ's body and blood (Transsubstantiation) is not only symbolic and goes back to the first Last Supper in the New Testament of the Bible. Therefore, wine has always played an important role in the Catholic Church and was a motivation to strive particularly regarding Weinbau and Weinbereitung. In Europe, the three monastic orders of Benediktiner, Kartäuser, and Zisterzienser have made significant contributions. During the conquest of the Neue Welt by Portugal and Spanien conquistadors starting in the early 16th century, the planting of brought vines and the production of Messwein also sparked the wine culture in North and Südamerika. The monastic orders of Franciscans in Kalifornien and Jesuits in Peru played a significant role in this. Numerous grape varieties still planted there today have their origins from this time, such as the historical Mission/Misión (Listán Prieto) and varieties of the Criolla.
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