The underrated wine region

Castelli Romani

Wines from Castelli Romani, located in the lush region south of Rome in Italy, have a special character and flavor profile. The region's wine production reflects the unique soil conditions and climate characterized by the volcanic soils and the cooler temperatures of the surrounding Albaner Mountains.

The most prominent grape varieties grown in Castelli Romani are white varieties such as Malvasia del Lazio, Trebbiano, Malvasia di Candia and Bellone, as well as red varieties such as Cesanese and Montepulciano.

The white wines from Castelli Romani are typically fresh and aromatic with notes of citrus fruits, apple and flowers. These wines often have a lively acid structure and a light body and are perfect as an aperitif or to be served with seafood and light salads.

On the other hand, the red wines of Castelli Romani tend to be fruity and spicy with notes of cherry, blackcurrant and herbs. They typically have a moderate to firm tannin structure and a well-balanced acid profile. These wines are good companions for pasta, meat dishes and local cheeses.

Although Castelli Romani may not enjoy the same fame as some other wine regions in Italy, it still produces high quality wines that reflect the area's unique character and traditions. Visitors exploring this region will find a varied selection of wineries and wine tastings, as well as the opportunity to experience the beautiful scenery and rich cultural heritage of the area.

IGT, DOC and DOCG – what does it mean?

IGT stands for "Indicazione Geografica Tipica" in Italian, and it means "Typical Geographical Indication" in Danish. It is a quality category in the Italian wine system, placed above table wine (Vino da Tavola) and below DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) and DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita). IGT wines are produced within a specific geographical area with specific requirements for grape composition and production methods, but they have more freedom in terms of grape selection and production methods compared to DOC and DOCG wines.

DOC stands for "Denominazione di Origine Controllata" in Italian, which means "Controlled Designation of Origin" in Danish. It is a quality category in the Italian wine system designed to ensure that the wines are produced in accordance with specific rules and standards established by the legislation of the wine-producing area in question. DOC wines are subject to strict requirements for grape composition, production methods and geographical origin.

DOCG stands for "Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita" in Italian, which means "Controlled and Guaranteed Designation of Origin" in Danish. It is the highest quality category in the Italian wine system. The DOCG system was introduced to ensure that certain Italian wines known for their high quality and traditional production methods receive special recognition. The wines bearing the DOCG label must comply with the strictest rules for grape cultivation, production methods and geographical origin. In addition, they also undergo mandatory tasting and chemical analysis before being released for sale to ensure their quality and authenticity.

But, but, but - don't just buy wine because of its quality category. Use your own taste buds. You can easily find an IGT wine that you think is better than a DOCG wine.

The grapes from Rome - In the following we will describe the grapes which are very special and typical of Castelli Romani.

  • Malvasia Puntinata

    Wine from the grape often has a greenish yellow color, an aromatic and intense scent of ripe fruit with yellow flesh, notes of graphite and yellow flowers and a slight balsamic nuance
    The taste is aromatic; dry, warm, soft, quite fresh, tasty and full-bodied.

  • Bellone

    Was cultivated already from Roman times. The grape's berries are white, medium-sized and round with thick, waxy skin that is yellowish with brown streaks. The aroma is intense, fruity with notes of citrus and light mineral nuances.

  • Trebbiano

    It has a richness of green fruit and citrus aromas on the nose and a stony minerality on the palate. Trebbiano is a white grape variety with a yellow-green color. When ripe, the grapes become transparent and golden with a vivid green reflection.

  • Chardonnay

    The Chardonnay grape itself is relatively neutral with fresh apple aromas. It does not have the intense, characteristic aromas of some other grape varieties. Chardonnay from Castelli Romani can have aromas of citrus fruit, green apple and a subtle minerality.

  • Viognier

    Viognier produces a full-bodied, aromatic wine that classically shows notes of stone fruits such as peach and apricot, as well as some tropical fruit notes. Viognier can also have a distinct stony character at its core, and the heady floral aromas are evident from the first sniff.

  • Cesanese

    When made well, Cesanese can demonstrate rich, ripe cherry flavors with some floral characters and sometimes a touch of red pepper. The wines are medium bodied with soft tannins and are best with minimal oak; too much can be overwhelming.

  • Montepulciano

    Montepulciano grapes produce wines with a deep and rich red color.
    The Montepulciano grape is known for its medium to high amount of tannins and balanced acidity. The flavor can vary from fruity to earthy, depending on the manufacturer's choice.

  • Shiraz

    Shiraz, also known as Syrah, is a black grape that originates in the Rhône Valley in France. It is also one of the darkest colored wines with a deep purple color and some transparency. The taste is rich and fruity with notes of ripe plums, blackberries, black cherries and undertones of spices and chocolate.

  • Merlot

    Merlot often produces wines with a soft structure and notes of ripe fruit, dark berries and undertones of spice and chocolate. It is known for its stability in aroma and flavor characteristics. Merlot is often used to blend with other grape varieties, especially Cabernet Sauvignon.

  • Cabernet Sauvignon

    Often referred to as the "king of red grapes". Originates from the Bordeaux region of France. Primary flavors are black fruit (such as blackcurrant, blackberry), cherry, plum. Intense and complex aromas, often characterized by dark fruits, herbs and earthy notes.

  • Petit Verdot

    "Petit Verdot" means "small green compact" because of its considerable acidity and the thick skins that give many tannins. Petit Verdot has intense violet aromas and flavors as well as notes of black plums, black cherries and lilacs.