Vigne di Frascati
Discover the vineyards of Frascati with a Vespa or electric scooter tour: among hills and wineries, experience authentic Italian wine just a few steps from Rome! Book a bike tour to the vineyards of Frascati: pedal through the vineyards, visit historic wineries and enjoy the magic of local wine. Taste the flavors of Frascati with a tuk-tuk tour: explore the vineyards and savor the wines on a unique journey through the heart of Lazio.
What you need to know about Frascati Vineyards.
The Vigne di Frascati, located in the beautiful region of Lazio near Rome, are famous for their high-quality vineyards and wines. Frascati has been renowned for wine production since ancient Roman times and is famous for producing Frascati DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) wines, which are mainly white wines. These wines are usually light, dry and slightly fruity, appreciated as a refreshing drink, especially in the warmer months. The landscape is enchanting, characterized by rolling hills and panoramic views, making Frascati a perfect destination for wine lovers and those interested in Italian wine culture. Being easily accessible from Rome, it is also a popular destination for day trips.
Wine Tasting: Tasting experiences of Frascati wines, including the famous Frascati Superiore and Cannellino di Frascati, a sweeter variety.
Vineyard Tour: Guided tours through picturesque vineyards to learn about grape varieties such as Malvasia and Trebbiano, as well as traditional and modern winemaking techniques.
Local Cuisine: Many wineries pair tastings with local dishes, offering an authentic taste of the cuisine of the Roman area.
Historic Cellars: Exploration of centuries-old cellars, with stories about the history of wine production in Frascati and the surrounding Castelli Romani area.
The History of Frascati Wine
Frascati is one of Italy’s oldest wine-producing areas, with a tradition dating back more than 2,000 years. During ancient Rome, the wine of Frascati was highly prized, and it has also been celebrated by popes, poets and artists over the centuries. This area is now one of the best known of the Castelli Romani, a collection of villages and volcanic hills south of Rome, characterized by a unique terroir.
Types of Wines and food and wine typical of Roman cuisine
Frascati wines are mainly white, with two DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) designations, the highest category for Italian wines:
Frascati Superiore DOCG: A dry, aromatic white wine made mainly from Malvasia and Trebbiano grapes. It is known for its freshness, with fruity and floral notes.
Cannellino di Frascati DOCG: A sweeter version, made from grapes that are allowed to mature longer on the vine. This wine has a slightly sweet and aromatic flavor, often served as a dessert wine.
Wine Tourism Experiences: Wine tourism in Frascati is well developed, and local wineries offer various activities:
Guided Tours of Wineries: Some historic wineries are carved out of tuff, a volcanic rock characteristic of the area, and their walls preserve centuries-old histories.
Walks among the Vineyards: Outdoor trails to explore vineyards and learn about environmentally friendly farming methods. Some farms follow organic and biodynamic farming methods.
Tasting Courses: In addition to simple tasting, some vineyards offer short courses to learn how to recognize the characteristics of wines and appreciate the differences between varieties.
Pairings with Local Cuisine: Frascati wines pair perfectly with traditional Roman and Castelli Romani dishes, such as:
Pasta all’Amatriciana or Carbonara: The freshness of Frascati Superiore balances the richness of these dishes.
Porchetta: A local specialty, porchetta is a roasted, spicy and flavorful pork, often accompanied by a glass of white wine.
Cheese and Olives: The area is famous for its local cheeses and olives, which make a perfect pairing with Cannellino di Frascati.
Curiosities
“Wine of the Popes: Frascati was nicknamed the “wine of the popes” because numerous pontiffs and high prelates chose it as the official wine for their tables. Poets, artists and Roman nobles of the Renaissance also appreciated this light, fruity wine, considered a symbol of quality and refinement.
The Volcanic Rock of Frascati: Frascati’s vineyards are located on hills formed by ancient volcanic rocks, dating back to the now-extinct Colli Albani volcano. This mineral-rich soil contributes to the unique character of Frascati wines, giving them a distinctive freshness and minerality.
Frascati Wine Festival: Every year Frascati celebrates its Wine Festival with tastings, performances and historical re-enactments. This tradition attracts thousands of visitors and is a unique opportunity to taste the best local wines and experience the village’s lively atmosphere.
Underground Cellars in the Tufa: Many historic cellars in Frascati are dug into the tufa, a volcanic rock widely used in the area. These underground spaces offer constant temperature and humidity, ideal for aging wine, and tell stories of ancient winemaking methods.
Frascati in Poems and Literature: Frascati’s wine has been celebrated in numerous poems and stories over the centuries. Poets like Goethe and writers like Gogol have been inspired by the beauty of the landscape and the quality of the local wine, mentioning it in their works.
“Cannellino” and the Late Harvest Tradition: Cannellino di Frascati is a sweet wine made from late-harvested grapes. This tradition allows the grapes to ripen longer on the vine, concentrating the sugars and giving the wine a sweet and complex flavor. In the past, it was served only on special and celebratory occasions.
Frascati and Carbonara: Although not directly related to wine, Frascati claims the origin of the famous pasta carbonara! One theory holds that the recipe was invented by the carbonai (hence “carbonara”) of the Alban Hills and then introduced into Roman cuisine. Of course, a good glass of Frascati Superiore is the perfect pairing!
Villa Aldobrandini and the Tuscolan Villas: In addition to wine, Frascati is famous for its Renaissance villas, including the Villa Aldobrandini. Many of these historic mansions are surrounded by vineyards and offer breathtaking views, representing a perfect example of harmony between architecture and nature.
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