Lazio Wine

Lazio’s vineyards stretch across a diverse landscape from cool mountain slopes to volcanic lakes and sunny coastal plains, with each terrain offering a unique expression of local grapes. Volcanic soils give wines minerality and freshness, limestone hills produce structure and aroma, and the sea lends balance and salinity — together forming a diverse and evolving wine region at the heart of central Italy.

The region’s wines reflect this variety — from mineral whites grown on volcanic soils to structured reds from inland limestone slopes. The main sub-regions are defined by their terrain and climate, each supporting distinct native grapes and traditional appellations.

Centered around the ancient volcanic lakes of Bolsena, Bracciano, Albano, and Vico, this area defines much of Lazio’s historic winemaking landscape. The soils — rich in tuff, lava, and minerals — and the mild local climate favor aromatic, balanced whites and light reds.

Est! Est!! Est!!! di Montefiascone DOC – Fresh, light whites from Trebbiano and Malvasia, known for their historical legend and easy drinkability.

Aleatico di Gradoli DOC – Sweet, aromatic reds from Aleatico, grown near Lake Bolsena.

Vignanello DOC – Whites and reds north of Rome, often blending Grechetto, Trebbiano, and Sangiovese.

Lago di Corbara DOC – Shared with Umbria; structured whites and reds on volcanic slopes overlooking the Tiber.

Style: Crisp, mineral-driven whites; floral and aromatic reds with moderate alcohol.

This heartland of Lazio wine lies in the volcanic hills surrounding Rome, where potassium-rich soils contribute to the region’s most famous whites. The Castelli Romani area includes numerous small DOCs, known for approachable wines that pair naturally with Roman cuisine.

Frascati DOC & DOCG – The most famous white of Lazio, based on Malvasia and Trebbiano. Crisp, lightly aromatic, and mineral.

Castelli Romani DOC – Broad appellation covering several towns southeast of Rome; both whites and reds, typically fresh and easy-drinking.

Colli Albani DOC and Montecompatri-Colonna DOC – Neighboring zones producing whites similar in style to Frascati.

Style: Fresh, lively whites with subtle florality and minerality from volcanic soils; simple, food-friendly reds.

The mountainous eastern parts of Lazio feature limestone and clay soils with cooler weather, promoting slow ripening and aromatic development. These highland vineyards yield Lazio’s best reds and some expressive whites.

Cesanese del Piglio DOCG – Lazio’s premier red wine, made from the Cesanese grape. Structured, aromatic, with red fruit and spice.

Cesanese di Olevano Romano DOC and Cesanese di Affile DOC – Smaller zones producing distinctive, aromatic reds.

Affile and Fiuggi Areas – Known for fresh mountain air and high acidity in both white and red wines.

Style: Medium-bodied reds with bright acidity and aromatic complexity; fresh whites with citrus and herb notes.

Stretching along the Tyrrhenian coast south of Rome, these plains have sandy and alluvial soils with steady sea breezes, producing wines with salinity and Mediterranean character.

Aprilia DOC – Coastal vineyards producing whites and reds, often from Merlot, Trebbiano, and Sangiovese.

Nettuno DOC – Whites and reds with distinct maritime freshness.

Cori DOC – Inland from the coast, offering balanced reds and aromatic whites.

Moscato di Terracina DOC – Aromatic, floral whites from Moscato Bianco.

Bellone and Vermentino – Key varieties producing crisp, seaside whites with natural minerality.

Style: Fragrant coastal whites, soft Merlot- and Sangiovese-based reds with saline freshness.

On the volcanic islands off the Lazio coast, vines grow on windswept terraces overlooking the sea.

Key Grapes: Biancolella, Falanghina, and local Moscato.

Style: Salty, mineral whites with distinct island freshness and limited production.

Lazio’s wines are built on a mix of ancient native grapes and widely planted international varieties. Volcanic soils and a Mediterranean climate give freshness and minerality to both reds and whites.

White Grapes

(Trebbiano Toscano & Trebbiano Giallo)

Widely planted and often blended with Malvasia. Produces fresh, light-bodied wines.

Found in Orvieto (shared with Umbria) and Vignanello DOC. Adds body, minerality, and structure to white blends.

An ancient variety native to Lazio’s coastal areas. Produces fresh, mineral wines with citrus and saline character.

Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are also grown, especially in modern, international-style blends.

Black (Red) Grapes

Lazio’s flagship red grape, used in Cesanese del Piglio DOCG. Produces aromatic, medium- to full-bodied wines with red fruit, spice, and herbal notes.

Used mainly in sweet wines from Aleatico di Gradoli DOC. Aromatic, with floral and berry notes.

Commonly planted across Lazio, often blended into reds with Cesanese or international varieties.

Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah are widely grown, especially in coastal and southern areas, contributing to modern blends.

Lazio’s wines range from light and refreshing whites to structured reds and aromatic sweet wines. While the region is historically associated with easy-drinking wines served in Roman trattorias, its DOC and DOCG appellations highlight distinctive local grapes and styles.

White Wines

Crisp, refreshing whites based on Malvasia and Trebbiano. Often light-bodied with citrus and floral notes, perfect with Roman cuisine.

Fresh, approachable whites with subtle fruit and mineral character, tied to a famous medieval legend.

Mineral, structured whites with citrus and stone fruit, often blended with Grechetto.

Increasingly bottled varietally, producing distinctive, saline, and aromatic wines.

Red Wines

Lazio’s most prestigious red, aromatic and structured, with red berries, spice, and herbs.

Variants of Cesanese, producing medium-bodied reds with floral and peppery notes.

Approachable blends, often with Sangiovese and international varieties.

Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah are used in coastal vineyards for fuller-bodied international-style reds.

Sweet Wines

Aromatic sweet reds with floral and berry notes, traditionally enjoyed as dessert wines.

A sweet version of Frascati, made from late-harvested Malvasia grapes.