Lazio, Italy wine region
Discover the unparalleled taste and quality of Lazio wines. Nestled in the heart of Italy, the Lazio region boasts a rich history and diverse terroir that results in a unique and delicious selection of wines. From rich reds to crisp whites, Lazio’s wines are sure to please even the most discerning of palates. Don’t miss out on the chance to try these exceptional wines – book a wine tour in Lazio today!
- Full of ancient history and stunning natural beauty
- Rustic: Charming countryside and vineyard landscapes
- Relaxed: Slow-paced lifestyle and laid-back atmosphere
- Authentic: Genuine Italian culture and culinary experiences.
Lazio wine map
Located in the heart of Italy, Lazio is a land of ancient history and stunning natural beauty, in addition to offering a diverse range of wines to suit every taste.
Lazio is known for its ancient winemaking heritage, dating back to Roman times, with its wines having been enjoyed by emperors, popes, and nobles throughout the centuries. The region’s wines are known for their rich bouquet, complex flavors, and elegant finish, from the full-bodied reds of the Colli Albani and Frascati wine appellation DOCG wines to the crisp whites of the Est! Est!! Est!!! di Montefiascone DOC.
But it’s not just about the taste, the wines of Lazio are also steeped in history and tradition. With a winemaking heritage dating back to ancient Roman times, Lazio’s wines have been enjoyed by emperors, popes, and nobles throughout the centuries.
Lazio’s wine production is divided between the provinces of Rome, Frosinone, Latina, and Rieti, with the most famous and renowned wines being produced in the province of Rome.
The Lazio wine region offers a diverse and delicious selection of wines that are steeped in history and tradition, and one that wine enthusiasts should explore at least once in their lifetimes.
Cities to visit in Lazio wine region
Frascati: This charming town located in the hills just outside of Rome is known for its white wines made from the Malvasia and Bellone grape varieties. Visitors can tour the vineyards and wineries, sample the wines, and explore the historic town center.
Montefiascone: This small town located in the province of Viterbo is known for its white wine made from the Trebbiano grape variety.
Cesanese del Piglio: This small town located in the province of Frosinone is known for its red wine made from the Cesanese grape variety.
Marino: This small town located in the province of Rome is known for its white wine made from the Malvasia and Trebbiano grape varieties.
Castelli Romani: The Castelli Romani area is located South of Rome, it is known for its red wine made from the Nero Buono grape variety. Tour the vineyards, sample the wines, and explore the historic towns in the area such as Frascati, Marino, and Castel Gandolfo.
Orvieto: This is a town located in the province of Terni, it is known for its white wine made from the Grechetto grape variety. Explore the historic town center which has a beautiful cathedral, underground caves, and Etruscan ruins.
Colli Martani: The Colli Martani area is an area located in the province of Perugia, it is known for its red wine made from the Bombino Nero grape variety. Tour the vineyards, sample the wines, and explore the historic towns in the area such as Todi and Spello.
Unique places to visit in the Lazio wine region
Castello Ruspoli: This medieval castle located in Vignanello is in the province of Viterbo and has been converted into a winery and is open to visitors. The castle offers wine tastings, tours of the vineyards and cellars, and the opportunity to learn about the history of the castle and the wine-making tradition of the region.
Abbazia di San Giorgio: This is a former Abbey located in the province of Viterbo, it is known for its wines made from the Canaiolo and Malvasia grape varieties. The winery offers wine tastings, tours of the vineyards and cellars, and the opportunity to learn about the winery’s traditional wine-making techniques.
Villa d’Este: This 16th-century villa located in Tivoli, near Rome, is known for its beautiful gardens, fountains, and frescoes. The villa is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is open to visitors.
Lake Bolsena: This volcanic lake located in the province of Viterbo is known for its crystal-clear waters and beautiful beaches. Visitors can enjoy swimming, boating, and fishing in the lake, as well as visiting the nearby medieval towns of Bolsena and Marta.
Cerveteri: This ancient Etruscan city located in the province of Rome is known for its well-preserved necropolises, or tombs. Visitors can explore the tombs and learn about the Etruscan culture and civilization.
Tarquinia: This ancient Etruscan city located in the province of Viterbo is known for its well-preserved necropolises and frescoes. Visitors can explore the tombs and see the frescoes, as well as visit the nearby medieval town of Tarquinia.
Civita di Bagnoregio: This fortified hilltop town located in the province of Viterbo is known for its stunning views and well-preserved medieval architecture. Visitors can explore the town’s narrow streets and visit the church of San Donato.
Anzio: This coastal town located in the province of Rome is known for its beaches, seafood restaurants, and Roman ruins. Visitors can take a boat trip to the nearby island of Ponza and explore the Roman ruins of the town.
Tivoli: This town located in the province of Rome is known for its beautiful gardens, Roman ruins, and the famous Villa Adriana and Villa d’Este. Visitors can explore the town’s narrow streets, see the Roman ruins, and visit the famous villas.
Parco Regionale dei Monti Lucretili: This is a regional park located in the province of Rome, it is known for its beautiful landscapes, hiking trails, and the wildlife. Visitors can explore the park and see the wildlife, take a hike, and enjoy the beautiful landscapes.
Best travel guides for Lazio wine region
Popular wines of Lazio
The Lazio wine region is known for producing a diverse range of wines, some of the most popular wines of the region are:
Frascati DOCG: Made from a blend of local grape varieties such as Malvasia, Trebbiano, and Bellone, this white wine is notable for its crisp acidity, refreshing taste, and aroma of citrus and apple.
Est! Est!! Est!!! di Montefiascone DOC: A white wine produced from a blend of Trebbiano and Malvasia grapes, it is known for its high acidity, crisp, and dry taste with a mineral finish.
Colli Albani DOC: This a red wine made from a blend of mostly Cesanese grape variety and other local grape varieties is characterized by its full-bodied character, rich tannins, and flavors of dark fruit.
Nero Buono di Cori DOC: A red wine made from the Nero Buono grape variety, known for its deep color and rich, complex flavors of dark fruit and spices.
Castelli Romani DOC: A red wine produced from a blend of mostly Montepulciano and Sangiovese grape varieties. It is known for its intense ruby color, full-bodied character, and flavors of dark fruit and spices.
Canellino di Frascati DOCG: A sweet white wine made from a blend of Malvasia and Trebbiano grapes, it is known for its light sweetness, crisp acidity and aroma of apricot, honey, and almond.
Cesanese del Piglio: This red wine is made from the Cesanese grape and is known for its dark color and complex, full-bodied flavor.
Aleatico di Gradoli: A sweet red made from Aleatico grapes, this white wine boasts a high alcohol content and a rich, fruity flavor.
Marino: Made from Malvasia and Trebbiano grapes. It is known for its crisp acidity and minerality.
Canellino di Frascati: A sweet white wine made from the local grape Canellino, it is a dessert wine often enjoyed with fresh fruit and cheese.
Colli Albani: Produced from Malvasia, Bellone, and Trebbiano grapes. Colli Albani is known for its crisp acidity and floral aromas.
Colle Picchioni: This is a red wine made from the local grape Cesanese. It is charachterized by its dark color, full-bodied flavor, and long finish.
Castelli Romani: This is a red wine made from the local grape Nero Buono. This wine is notable for its dark color, rich tannins, and complex flavor profile.
Marino DOC: This is a white wine made from Malvasia and Trebbiano grapes. It is known for its crisp acidity and minerality.
Cori Rosso: This is a red wine made from the local grape Cesanese. It is known for its dark color, full-bodied flavor, and long finish.
Cesanese di Affile: This is a red wine made from the local grape Cesanese. It is known for its dark color, full-bodied flavor, and long finish.
These are just a few examples of the popular wines produced in the Lazio wine region. The region is diverse and it offers a wide variety of wines, so there are many more to discover.
About Lazio Wines: Types & Characteristics
The wines of Lazio are known for their unique characteristics that reflect the region’s varied terroir and winemaking tradition.
Some notable characteristics of Lazio wines include:
- Complexity: Lazio wines are known for their complex flavors and aromas, which are the result of the region’s diverse terroir and winemaking techniques.
- Elegance: The wines of Lazio are often described as elegant, with a smooth and refined finish.
- Full-bodied: Many of the red wines from the Colli Albani and Frascati DOCG areas are known for being full-bodied, with rich and intense flavors.
- Crisp acidity: The white wines of Lazio, particularly those from the Est! Est!! Est!!! di Montefiascone DOC, are known for their crisp acidity and refreshing taste.
- History and tradition: The wines of Lazio are steeped in history and tradition, with a winemaking heritage dating back to Roman times.
- Food pairing: Lazio wines are versatile and pair well with a wide range of local and Mediterranean dishes, from pasta and pizza to seafood and meats.
- Affordable: Many of Lazio’s wines are very affordable, making them a great value for money. Lazio wines are known for their unique and delicious flavors, elegant finish, and rich winemaking tradition. They are perfect for wine enthusiasts who want to explore Italy’s diverse wine regions and discover new and exciting flavors.
Appellations of the Lazio wine region
The Lazio wine region in Italy has several appellations, each with its own unique characteristics and grape varieties. Here is a complete list of the appellations in Lazio:
- Aleatico di Gradoli
- Aprilia
- Atina
- Bianco Capena
- Cannellino di Frascati or Cannellino dei Castelli Romani
- Castelli Romani (Frascati)
- Cesanese di Affile or Affilano
- Cesanese di Olevano Romano or Olevanese
- Circeo or Moscato di Terracina
- Colli Etruschi Viterbesi or Viterbo
- Cori or Cora
- Est! Est!! Est!!! di Montefiascone
- Frascati Superiore
- Marino
- Montecompatri-Colonna
- Tarquinia
Each appellation has specific regulations regarding grape varieties, winemaking techniques, and aging requirements. These regulations help to ensure that wines produced within each appellation are of high quality and reflect the unique terroir of their respective regions.
Lazio Wine Taste Notes & Flavors
The wines of Lazio, like many Italian wines, are known for their food-friendly acidity and versatility. However, the specific taste of a Lazio wine can vary depending on the grape variety, appellation, and winemaking techniques used. Here is a general overview of what you might expect from some of the most common Lazio wine varieties:
- White wines: Many white wines produced in Lazio are made from the Malvasia di Candia grape variety. These wines are typically crisp and refreshing with citrus and tropical fruit flavors, as well as floral aromas. Other white grapes grown in Lazio include Trebbiano Toscano and Bellone.
- Red wines: The Cesanese grape variety is one of the most important red grapes grown in Lazio. Wines made from this grape tend to be medium-bodied with red fruit flavors such as cherry, raspberry or strawberry with earthy undertones. Sangiovese is another common red grape that is grown in Lazio.
In general, the wines of Lazio tend to be approachable and easy-drinking, making them a great choice for everyday meals or casual gatherings. They pair particularly well with local cuisine such as pasta dishes, seafood and roasted meats.
Grape Varieties of Lazio wines
The Lazio wine region in Italy is known for a variety of grape varieties that lend the wines their distinctive style.
Some of the most notable grape varieties include:
Malvasia: This grape variety is used to make white wines, and it is known for its floral aromas and crisp acidity. It is used to make wines like Frascati and Marino.
Trebbiano: This grape variety is used to make white wines and is known for its high acidity and minerality. It is used to make wines like Est! Est!! Est!!! di Montefiascone and Marino.
Bellone: This grape variety is used to make white wines and is known for its high acidity and minerality. It is used to make wines like Frascati and Colli Albani.
Cesanese: This grape variety is used to make red wines and is known for its dark color, full-bodied flavor, and long finish. It is used to make wines like Cesanese del Piglio and Colle Picchioni.
Aleatico: This grape variety is used to make sweet red wines and is known for its high alcohol content and rich, fruity flavor. It is used to make wines like Aleatico di Gradoli.
Nero Buono: This grape variety is used to make red wines and is known for its dark color, rich tannins, and complex flavor profile. It is used to make wines like Castelli Romani.
Canellino: This grape variety is used to make sweet white wines, it is known for its fresh and fruity flavor. It is used to make wines like Canellino di Frascati.
Grechetto: This grape variety is used to make white wines and is known for its fruity and floral aromas, crisp acidity and minerality. It is used to make wines like Orvieto Classico DOC.
Bombino Nero: This grape variety is used to make red wines, it has a high acidity and is known for its medium body, with flavors of red fruits like cherries and raspberries. It is used to make wines like Colli Martani DOC.
Verdicchio: This grape variety is used to make white wines and it is known for its crisp acidity and minerality, with flavors of green apple and lemon. It is used to make wines like DOC Colli Maceratesi Verdicchio.
Sangiovese: This grape variety is used to make red wines and is known for its high acidity, tannins, and complex flavors of cherry, plum, and leather. It is used to make wines like Rosso Orvietano DOC.
Montepulciano: This grape variety is used to make red wines, it has a high acidity and is known for its full-bodied, with flavors of black fruit, chocolate, and spices. It is used to make wines like Rosso Piceno DOC.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lazio wine region
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Is the Lazio wine region known for any specific wine-making techniques or traditions?The Lazio wine region is known for its traditional wine-making techniques, such as the "metodo ancestrale" for the production of Frascati and Est! Est!! Est!!! di Montefiascone wines.
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Can you visit vineyards in the Lazio wine region?Yes, visitors can visit vineyards in the Lazio wine region and take wine tours to learn about the local wines and winemaking traditions. Make sure to use Winalist to book your next amazing Lazio vineyard trip!
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What is the best time of year to visit the Lazio wine region?The best time to visit the Lazio wine region is during the spring and summer, when the weather is warm and the vineyards are in full bloom.
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Is it easy to find Lazio wines outside of the region?Yes, it is easy to find Lazio wines outside of the region, as they are exported to many countries around the world.
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What food pair well with Lazio wines?Lazio wines pair well with traditional Roman cuisines such as pasta dishes with meat or tomato sauce, grilled meats, and fish dishes.