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.
