Portfolio of Wines from Lazio
First settled by heroic Etruscan and Sabine traders who flourished until the rise of Rome, ancient Lazi, or Latium, is best known as the stomping grounds of the Ceasars. For the following 3,000 years its wines have been tailored to the city's tastes — light, fresh whites for the summers and easy-to-drink reds for those infamously long lunches and dinners.
Lazio is comprised of diverse growing regions — the fertile volcanic soil of the Castelli Romani, the esoteric hills of Piglio, reclaimed lowlands now producing superlative Syrah, and the ancient Etruscan viticultural area of Tuscia.
Wines of Castel De Paolis
Grapes: Malvasia di Candia, Malvasia Puntinata del Lazio, Trebbiano Toscano, Bonvino, Bonvino Pecorino, Cacchione, Grechetto, and Passerina
Vineyards: Estate vineyards in hills south of Rome, production is only 2/3 of what is allowed by the Frascati DOC
Vinification: Grapes are softly pressed with pneumatic press
Ageing: Temperature-controlled (54-64°), all stainless steel
Annual production: 312 cases
Alcohol: 13%
Service: 50-54°, decant ½ hr before serving
Frascati DOC Superiore
This handcrafted, biological wine from the hills south of Rome is capable of spectacular aromatic abundance with persistent orange blossom and honey suckle aromas. Almond, hazel nuts, floral and apricot combine with a memorable, food-flattering finish to make this wine the perfect accompaniment to any grilled seafood, light or grilled meat or chicken dish, or spicy pasta dishes such as cacio e pepe or carbonara.
Wines of Terenzi
Grape: 100% Cesanese d'Affile
Vineyards: South-facing at 1,475 ft above sea level in Piglio, 305 cases per acre
Vinification: Harvested by hand; light maceration for 25 days on the skins at controlled temperatures below 30°, in steel tanks
Ageing: 10 mos, temperature-controlled, all stainless steel; finished in bottle circa 4 mos
U.S. allocation: 330 cases
Alcohol: 13%
Service: 64-68° F
Cesanese del Piglio DOC "Colle Forma"
Cesanese (chae-sah-NAE-sae), reputed to be a favorite of the Roman Caesars, is the only red grape indigenous to Lazio. This rare wine is making a comeback. From the hills of Piglio (PEE-l'yoh) southeast of Rome, the best wines are bold and spicy with ample tannic structure. "Colle Forma" is aged only in stainless steel. Orange-red in the glass, there's a scent of red berry and herbs on the nose, brandy-soaked cherries, and plum skins. Ideal with light sauces, red meat, roasted meat, and strong cheeses.
Gran Menzione, Vinitaly, 2007
Silver medal at the 1st International Enologico wine fair, Mayor of Italian Enoteca of Siena
Grape: 100% Cesanese d'Affile
Vineyards: South-facing at 1,475 ft above sea level in Piglio, 305 cases per acre
Vinification: Harvested by hand; light maceration for 25 days on the skins at controlled temperatures below 30°, in steel tank; then pressed, separated, and fermented slowly for 20 days.
Ageing: 10 mos in oak botti (large barrels); finished in bottle for 8 mos
U.S. allocation: 83 cases
Alcohol: 14%
Service: 64-68° F
Cesanese del Piglio DOC "Vajoscuro"
Only the finest grapes from Terenzi's exceptional vineyards are used for the limited Vajoscuro. The depth and intensity of which the Cesanese grape is capable is on full display here. Ten months in large oak botte enrich the4 depth and complezxity of this stunning wine.