Introduction

By Paul Caputo

Where is Frascati made?

Frascati is produced in a small area just south of Rome in the Lazio region of central Italy. The official territory was first delineated in 1933 and covers the villages of Frascati, Grottaferrata, Monte Porzio Catone, and parts of Rome and Montecompatri. Located in the centre of the region of Lazio, the DOC currently covers around 1000 planted hectares and extends as far as the Colli Albani.

The soils of Frascati

The Frascati production area is characterised by volcanic soils. An eruption thought to date back 600,000 years was followed by subsequent eruptions that have created complex volcanic soils formations throughout the DOC.

What are the main grape varieties used in Frascati?

The main grape varieties used in Frascati are Malvasia del Lazio and / or Malvasia Bianca di Candia. Between them, or individually, they must represent a minimum of 70% of the blend. Malvasia del Lazio is known as Malvasia Puntinata in the Frascati area. A range of different grapes can make up the rest of the wine. The most common are Bellone, Bombino Bianco, Greco Bianco, Trebbiano Toscano and Trebbiano Giallo. Additional varieties that are present in the region of Lazio may make up a maximum of 15% of this 30%.