Lazio

• Malvasia del Lazio (Puntinata): aromatic and complex, with spicy undertones and notes of apricot; brings elegance and depth to Frascati and other key white wines.
• Malvasia Bianca di Candia: floral and honeyed, this reliable white grape produces expressive, approachable wines and plays a central role in classic blends.
• Trebbiano (Giallo/Toscano): crisp and high in acidity, with subtle citrus flavors; valued for its freshness and structure in blends.
• Bellone: ancient and aromatic, delivering vibrant citrus and tropical fruit flavors, mineral notes, and a distinctive almond finish.
• Cesanese (d’Affile/Comune): Lazio’s signature red, offering red cherry, spice, earthy floral notes, and refined tannins; highlights include Cesanese del Piglio DOCG.
• Nero Buono di Cori: deeply colored and full-bodied, with wild berry flavors; a specialty of the Cori area.
• Sangiovese: classic cherry and earthy notes, with lively acidity; often blended for balance and complexity in regional reds.
• Montepulciano: robust, rich, and smooth, contributing soft tannins and depth to local blends.
• Bombino Bianco & Moscato di Terracina: enhance white blends with aromatic lift or, in the case of Moscato, create luscious, coastal sweet wines.
• International Varieties (Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon): widely grown and used for bold, modern IGT wines, adding structure and international appeal.

Lazio's terroir is distinguished by its volcanic soils, which imbue wines with a distinctive mineral complexity. The region's Mediterranean climate, characterized by warm summers and mild, rainy winters, is ideal for cultivating a diverse array of grape varieties. Cooling winds from the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Apennine Mountains play a crucial role in maintaining the grapes' acidity and balance, essential for producing high-quality wines. The landscape, marked by rolling hills and fertile plains, further enhances the diversity of its wine-growing areas. This confluence of geological and climatic factors enables Lazio's winemakers to craft wines that celebrate both the region's ancient traditions and its innovative spirit, emphasizing freshness and elegance in every bottle.

Lazio is at the forefront of a sustainability revolution in winemaking, with many of its vineyards adopting organic, biodynamic, and natural practices. This shift is not only about protecting the environment but also about enhancing wine quality by capturing the unique flavors of Lazio's volcanic soils. With 14% of vineyards organically farmed by 2021—a 45% increase since 2014—Lazio's commitment to sustainability is clear. The region is moving away from mass production towards a more artisanal approach, aiming to reflect the true essence of its terroir. In addition to organic and biodynamic certifications, many wineries participate in the VIVA Sustainable Wine Project, which evaluates environmental, social, economic, and viticultural sustainability. This initiative highlights the region's holistic commitment to eco-friendly practices. By embracing these methods, Lazio's producers are redefining the region's image, focusing on quality over quantity and educating consumers about the benefits of sustainable viticulture. This transformation aligns with Lazio's rich winemaking history and modern innovation, promising a bright future for its wines.

Lazio is an intriguing destination for wine tourism, offering a harmonious blend of historical richness and modern winemaking prowess. Situated around the iconic city of Rome, Lazio's vineyards benefit from volcanic soils that impart distinct mineral qualities to the wines. This region is primarily known for its white wines, although it also produces notable reds like Cesanese. The area's Mediterranean climate, with cooling influences from the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Apennine Mountains, creates ideal conditions for a diverse range of grape varieties, fostering both traditional and innovative viticulture. Wine tourism in Lazio provides an immersive experience that intertwines its 3,000-year history with contemporary wine culture. Visitors can explore the celebrated Castelli Romani and Cesanese Trail, where charming towns and intimate vineyard tours offer a glimpse into the region's viticultural heritage. Agriturismo stays allow for deeper engagement, presenting an opportunity to enjoy locally-sourced meals and organic wines in serene, rustic settings. Meanwhile, Rome itself offers a gateway to Lazio's wine scene through sommelier-led tastings that showcase the region's artisanal and sustainable wine practices without leaving the city.

Lazio's wine scene is a blend of time-honored tradition and forward-thinking innovation, with wineries ranging from historic estates to avant-garde artisan producers. Here are some of the region's most notable wineries:

• Tenuta di Fiorano: A historic estate along the Appian Way, known for pioneering quality wines with a focus on international varieties and organic farming practices.
• Famiglia Cotarella (Falesco): A leader in large-scale, quality-driven winemaking, combining modern techniques with a commitment to reviving ancient local varieties.
• Casale del Giglio: An innovative winery in the Agro Pontino valley, recognized for its successful experiments with a wide range of grape varieties.
• Poggio Le Volpi: A "gourmet winery" in the Alban Hills, celebrated for its refined wines that reflect the volcanic terroir of the region.
• Damiano Ciolli: An artisan producer in Olevano Romano, specializing in high-quality, terroir-driven Cesanese wines.
• Marco Carpineti: A champion of sustainable viticulture in Cori, known for crafting authentic wines from unique indigenous grapes.
• Andrea Occhipinti: A new generation natural winemaker on Lake Bolsena, producing distinctive wines with local grapes.
• Casal Pilozzo: A historic Frascati estate challenging regional norms with its complex and age-worthy Malvasia wines.
• Castel de Paolis: A standout Frascati producer, built on ancient Roman villa remnants, excelling in top-tier wines.