FORVM`s Classical Numismatics Discussion Board
Numismatic and History Discussion Forums => History and Archeology => Topic started by: David Atherton on August 29, 2006, 12:02:27 am
-
Hello all,
Does anyone know of a modern wine that approximates Roman wine? I know of a beer that comes close to what the ancient Egyptians drank and thought that some where there might be a vineyard producing 'Roman wine'. Some of the Frascati wines near Rome spring to mind.
I understand that most Roman wines were whites and ususally had around 16% alcohol and were mixed with water.
-
I believe there is a winery producing authentic Roman style wines near Pompeii now, available at the tourist-trash shops I imagine.
Roman wine was drank diluted and/or flavoured with various spices and such. Personally I think its a shame ther were no Roman distilled spirits, I'm not a big beer and wine person, I prefer stronger stuff.
LordBest. 8)
-
Found this on the Internet and thought it might be of interest.
Roman Wine
The area of the Colli Albani immediately south of Rome produces a wide range of wines with both white and red in equal proportions.
How ancient Roman wine tasted
The DOC labels include 'Colli Lanuvini', 'Colli Albani', 'Castelli Romani', 'Velletri', 'Frascati' and 'Marino'.
The first two on this list represent the south western part of the Alban hills and the area bordering beautiful Nemi and the towns of Genzano and Lanuvio.
The 'Colli Lanuvini' is a straw yellow color with a subtle perfume of golden delicious apples with a slightly 'amarognola' flavor and crisp taste. It is ideal with any type of pasta, as well as vegetable purées and fish from the lakes.
The 'Colli Albani' has a wider production zone which includes Ariccia, Castelgandolfo, Pomezia and even parts of the Comune di Roma. It is a more pale yellow color than the 'Colli Lanuvini' and perhaps a touch more bitter but with no after taste. Apparently the wine does not age and is ideal with snails and fried 'fiori di zucca', as well as an antipasti of cheese and salumi. Where to Stay
Frascati and Marino are probably the two names most familiar to the casual wine drinker.
Frascati Bianco is grown in the areas of Colonna, Montecompatri, Monteporzio Catone, Grottaferrata and Frascati itself. It is a bright straw color with a strong flowery smell and dry sapid flavor. It is best served chilled in crystal goblets and drunk aisde a baked spring lamb or oxtail 'vaccinara', both classic Roman dishes. When the alcohol level of the wine reaches 12° it can be classed as 'Superior' or 'Superiore'.
Marino Bianco is predominantly grown in the area of Marino and partly Castelgandolfo. It ranges from a straw yellow to deep gold colour and is typical of a Malvasia, smelling of golden apples and aniseed. Sharp and full bodied it is excellent with shell fish, fresh broad beans and any type of Roman pasta.
-
I have tried the Fontana Candida Frascati and can honestly say for the price ($12) it is an excellent white.
On the label they make a big deal about the 2000 yr old volcanic soil that the vinyards are cultivated in.