The most important role in the development of viticulture in Burgundy, However can be ascribed to the medieval monasteries. Bernard de Fontaines entered the monastery at Citeaux near Nuits – Saint - Georges in 1113, where he preached a new, ascetic doctrine directed against the extravagances of the Benedictine Abbey at Cluny. His followers in both church and political corcles grew quickly in number and becoming Abbot of Clairvaux enabled him to acquire some land on which he planted vines. His successors nurtured the beginnings of wine production in Chablis and the Cote d Or , and chose Chardonnay and Pinot Noir as the most suitable grape varieties.