Wine in the region of Rome and in Italy

the wine in Rome and in ItalyHouse Wine

Be careful with house wine, the “vino della casa“: although affordable, its quality is often inconsistent and sometimes hard to digest. To fully enjoy the richness of Italian wine production, it’s better to choose appellation wines from recognized wine-growing areas.

Wine-producing areas around Rome

The region of Latium (Lazio), of which Rome is the capital, has an ancient winemaking tradition, inherited from the Romans. It produces both white and red wines, with native grape varieties grown on volcanic soils that give the wines a distinctive character. Here are a few essential references:

  • Frascati: a white wine emblematic of the Colli Albani, southeast of Rome. Light, dry, and sometimes slightly sparkling, it pairs well with local dishes like pasta or grilled vegetables. Mainly made from Malvasia and Trebbiano grapes, it is often served chilled in Roman trattorias.
  • Cesanese del Piglio: the main red wine of the Rome region, made from the Cesanese grape. Robust, with aromas of dark fruit and spices, it pairs well with grilled meats, saucy dishes, or rustic specialties such as oxtail (coda alla vaccinara).
  • Marino: another white wine produced in the Castelli Romani, near Rome. Less well-known than Frascati, it is often slightly more structured and pairs well with fish or vegetarian dishes.
  • Est! Est!! Est!!! di Montefiascone: a light white wine from northern Lazio, with a fruity and dry taste.

Selected Italian wine regions

In addition to local wines, Roman restaurants often offer wines from other major Italian wine regions, depending on the dishes served:

  • Chianti (Tuscany): a fruity and balanced red wine, sometimes robust, goes well with tomato-based pasta dishes or meats.
  • Barolo (Piedmont): a full-bodied and complex red wine, often considered one of Italy’s best. It pairs well with meat or truffle-based dishes.
  • Brunello di Montalcino (Tuscany): a prestigious and powerful red wine, aged in barrels, ideal for rich dishes and special occasions.
  • Montepulciano d’Abruzzo: a smooth and generous red wine, often offering good value for money.
  • Montefalco Sagrantino (Umbria): a tannic and structured red wine, perfect with roasted meats. One of Italy’s best in terms of value for money.
  • Prosecco (Veneto/Friuli): a sparkling white wine, dry or slightly sweet, ideal as an aperitif or with starters.