Native Grapes vs. International Varieties: Discover the Authentic Taste of Rome’s Countryside
Want to dive deeper into the world of Italian wine? In this article, we’ll take you through the history of winemaking and explore the fascinating differences between native and international grape varieties, with a special focus on the rich wine heritage of the Lazio region.
At Tenuta di Pietra Porzia, you can taste rare wines made from indigenous local grapes, crafted using low-temperature fermentation and aged exclusively in stainless steel tanks. This deliberate choice allows us to preserve and revive the authentic, vibrant aromas of the past. And if you can’t visit us in person just yet, you can easily buy our wines online and have them delivered straight to your doorstep!
Ancient Rome and the Origins of Wine
In Ancient Rome, wine was considered a true luxury. Back then, social rules reserved it strictly for men, while women were forbidden from drinking it out of fear they might lose self-control. Furthermore, the Romans never drank their wine neat; they always diluted it with water after boiling it with an array of spices, honey, and aromatic herbs.
Where Wine Comes From: Vitis Vinifera
Every wine we know and love comes from the fermentation of grapes produced by the Vitis Vinifera vine. This plant has thrived in the Mediterranean basin for millennia. Through centuries of natural selection and human cultivation, it has branched into thousands of distinct varieties, known as cultivars. Each variety boasts unique characteristics, from the shape of the clusters and berries to the leaves, which ultimately shape the wine’s flavor profile. Both widely known international grapes and rare native varieties belong to this massive Vitis Vinifera family.
What Are International Grape Varieties?
International grapes are Vitis Vinifera varieties that originated in specific regions but have since been planted all over the globe. They possess an extraordinary ability to adapt to different climates, consistently producing high-quality wines regardless of where they are grown. The most famous international grape varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay, Grenache, and Pinot Noir.
What Are Native Grapes, and Why Are They So Unique?
Native, or indigenous, grapes are historic varieties that have evolved and adapted exclusively within a small, specific geographic area. Because they have been grown in that exact spot for centuries, they develop a distinct identity deeply tied to that specific microclimate and soil. Native grapes are rare and uncommon; the wines produced from them act as a true mirror of the region’s culture and traditions, offering wine lovers entirely new sensations, structures, and unexpected aromas.
Italy’s Rich Heritage of Indigenous Grapes
Thanks to an endless variety of microclimates and incredibly diverse landscapes, Italy boasts the richest grape heritage in the world. The country is home to around 900 registered native grape varieties. Many of these survived for centuries hidden away around abandoned countryside farmhouses in the high hills, and they are now happily being rediscovered and brought back to life.
The History of Native Grapes in the Latium Region
The Latium region has a winemaking tradition dating back thousands of years to the Roman Empire. In fact, it was during Roman times that specific, high-quality production areas, the ancestors of today’s crus, were first defined. The native grapes of Latium, now considered rare and precious gems, descend directly from those ancient vineyards.
Roman Castles Wines and the Volcanic Terroir
Located just a few miles outside of Rome, the Roman Castles region produces truly distinctive “volcanic wines”. The soil here was formed by the ancient eruptions of the Latium Volcano about 20,000 years ago. This unique, mineral-rich ground infuses the wines with an unmistakable crispness and sapid, savory finish.
Typical White Wines of Latium
Among the many traditional white grape varieties of our region, we have chosen to cultivate and showcase the historic varieties that yield exceptional quality:
Frascati Wine and Its Long Tradition
Frascati is without a doubt the most famous Latium wine in the world. Its official production guidelines include several historic, mostly native grapes. At Tenuta di Pietra Porzia, we recreated the vineyard of ancient Frascati by planting Bombino (also known as Ottonese), Greco, Trebbiano Procanico, and, above all, the undisputed queen of our land: Malvasia del Lazio.
Malvasia del Lazio (Malvasia Puntinata)
Malvasia del Lazio (frequently called Malvasia Puntinata) is an ancient, native white grape variety. It has found its perfect habitat in our soils, taking on unmatched characteristics. It produces a beautiful white wine featuring intense aromas of pear and peach, backed by excellent body and a pleasant mineral undertone.
Falerno Bianco
Falerno Bianco was the absolute favorite white wine of the Roman aristocracy. Historians believe it was originally crafted by blending Falanghina with another rare, native white grape from the Lazio region.
Cannellino di Frascati DOCG
Cannellino is a luscious, sweet wine deeply rooted in the farming traditions of the Roman Castles hills. It is made from late-harvest Malvasia del Lazio grapes. To create a beautiful culinary contrast, it is traditionally paired with savory Pecorino Romano DOP cheese or local dry pastries, such as the famous wine cookies.
Bombino / Ottonese
When fermented at low temperatures, this grape yields an extremely fresh, crisp, and aromatic white wine, perfect for sipping during the warm summer season.
Rare Native Grapes: The Red Wines of Latium
Latium also boasts an ancient tradition of red wines made from indigenous varieties that have been recently rediscovered. By choosing to ferment and age them exclusively in stainless steel, we protect and highlight the natural, original aromas of the grape. On our wine estate of 145 acres, we have planted three rare, ancient native red varieties:
Lecinaro IGT Latium
Lecinaro is a red grape variety that was only recently brought back from the brink of extinction. It produces a stunning ruby-red wine with inviting notes of cocoa and dark cherries in liqueur. Being low in tannins and highly refreshing, it’s a red wine you can easily enjoy even during the summer.
Raspato IGT Latium
Another indigenous grape recently saved from extinction. It delivers a deeply colored red wine characterized by intriguing, spicy hints of black pepper.
Abbuoto IGT Latium
Abbuoto was considered the finest and most prized red wine back in the days of Ancient Rome. It is a structured, highly aromatic red wine bursting with intense flavors of fresh cherries and wild black cherries.
Where to Enjoy an Authentic Native Wine Tasting Near Rome
If you are looking for an authentic Italian food and wine experience, you can join us at Tenuta di Pietra Porzia for a Roman Castles wine tasting right inside our cellars. The tour includes an exclusive visit to our ancient underground cellar, which was carved into volcanic tufa rock over 2,000 years ago.
We offer various experience packages, including lunch or dinner at our farmhouse restaurant featuring panoramic views overlooking Rome, or an overnight stay in our charming boutique hotel, completely immersed in the peaceful Latium countryside.
Where to Buy Traditional Latium Wines
At our wine estate in Frascati, we offer a wide selection of premium wines made from typical white and red grape varieties of Latium. You can choose your favorite bottles after tasting them alongside our professional sommeliers, or you can conveniently order them from home.
If this article helped you learn more about the differences between native grapes of Latium and international varieties, please fill out the form below to request info or to book your next wine-tasting experience near Rome. We look forward to welcoming you to the Estate!