Italy, a land adorned with art, culture, and history, also boasts a rich tapestry of wine regions, each with its own unique charm and character. Nestled in the heart of central Italy and home of “the eternal city,” Lazio stands out, whispering tales of ancient heritage and modern innovation. 

Lazio’s favorable climate, characterized by mild winters and warm summers moderated by sea breezes, has nurtured vineyards since before the Roman Empire to the ancient times of the Etruscans. The region’s prominence as a wine-producing region continued through the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, with monasteries and noble families cultivating vines and crafting wines of distinction.

However, it wasn't until recent decades that Lazio's wines regained international recognition. Modernization in winemaking techniques, coupled with a renewed focus on quality, has propelled Lazio wines onto the global stage. Today, the region's winemakers blend tradition with innovation, crafting wines that honor Lazio's heritage while embracing contemporary tastes.

RED WINES 

CESANESE DEL PIGLIO

Among Lazio's red wine jewels, Cesanese del Piglio reigns supreme. This indigenous grape variety thrives in the region's volcanic soils, yielding wines of exceptional character. Cesanese del Piglio wines are known for their deep ruby hue, vibrant acidity, and enticing aromas of red fruits, spices, and earthy undertones. With a medium to full body and velvety tannins, these wines offer a harmonious balance of fruitiness and complexity, making them perfect companions to hearty Italian dishes such as a bolognese or polenta alla spianatora.

NERO BUONO DI CORI

Another indigenous grape variety from Lazio, Nero Buono di Cori showcases the region's terroir in every sip. Grown primarily in the hills around Cori, this grape produces robust red wines with distinctive personality. Nero Buono di Cori wines exhibit a deep ruby color and a bouquet effusing dark berries, plum, and hints of Mediterranean herbs. On the palate, they display a rich, full-bodied texture, complemented by firm tannins and a lingering finish. These wines excel when paired with roasted meats, game, and aged cheeses, offering a taste of Lazio's rustic charm.

MONTEPULCIANO 

While not native to Lazio, Montepulciano has found a second home in the region's vineyards. This versatile grape, originally from central Italy, thrives in Lazio's climate, producing wines of remarkable depth and character. Lazio's Montepulciano wines boast a deep ruby color and an expressive bouquet of ripe cherries, blackberries, and spices. With a medium to full body and supple tannins, these wines offer a smooth, velvety texture and a lingering finish. Whether enjoyed on their own or paired with Italian classics like pasta and pizza, Lazio's Montepulciano wines capture the essence of the region's winemaking prowess.

WHITE WINES

FRASCATI SUPERIORE

As Lazio's flagship white wine, Frascati Superiore epitomizes elegance and finesse. Crafted primarily from Malvasia and Trebbiano grapes, grown on the sun-drenched hillsides of the Frascati DOCG zone, these wines offer a delightful expression of Lazio's terroir. Frascati Superiore wines enchant the senses with their pale straw color and delicate aromas of white flowers, citrus fruits, and Mediterranean herbs. On the palate, they are crisp and refreshing, with vibrant acidity and a lingering, mineral-driven finish. Whether enjoyed as an aperitif or paired with seafood, salads, and light pasta dishes, Frascati Superiore wines capture the essence of Lazio's la dolce vita.

EST! EST! EST! DI MONTEFIASCONE

Legend has it that the name of this wine originates from a medieval tale of a German bishop who marked the best wines of his journey through Italy with the phrase "Est!" meaning "It is" in Latin. Crafted in the town of Montefiascone from a blend of Trebbiano and Malvasia grapes, Est! Est!! Est!!! wines offer a delightful expression of Lazio's winemaking heritage. With their straw-yellow hue and aromas of ripe orchard fruits, honey, and wildflowers, these wines captivate the senses from the first sip. On the palate, they are bright and lively, with crisp acidity and a hint of sweetness, making them perfect for leisurely afternoons and festive gatherings.

BIANCO VERGINE DELLA TUSCIA 

Nestled in the northern reaches of Lazio, the Tuscia subregion is home to some of the region's most distinctive white wines. Bianco Vergine della Tuscia, crafted from a blend of indigenous grape varieties including Trebbiano Toscano and Malvasia del Lazio, showcases the unique terroir of this ancient land. With its pale straw color and aromas of citrus fruits, white peach, and acacia blossoms, this wine transports the senses to the sun-drenched hillsides of Tuscia. On the palate, it is crisp and refreshing, with a vibrant acidity and a lingering, mineral-infused finish. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with light appetizers and seafood, Bianco Vergine della Tuscia offers a taste of Lazio's timeless beauty.

Italy's Lazio wine region stands as a testament to the enduring allure of Italian winemaking. From its ancient vineyards steeped in history to its modern expressions of excellence, Lazio captivates wine lovers with its diverse array of red and white wines. Whether savoring a glass of Cesanese del Piglio or indulging in a bottle of Frascati Superiore, Lazio's wines invite us on a journey of discovery, where every sip tells a story of passion, tradition, and the timeless beauty of Italy.