In all denominations of Christianity (Orthodox, Catholic and Protestant), communion wine (also known as altar wine) plays a central role in slightly different forms. The transformation of bread and wine into Christ's flesh and blood (transubstantiation), which is not only to be understood symbolically, goes back to the First Supper in the New Testament of the Bible. For this reason, wine has always played an important role in the Catholic Church and was the motivation for special endeavours in viticulture and winemaking. In Europe, the three monastic orders of the Benedictines, Carthusians and Cistercians in particular have made great contributions.
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