Frascati Superiore

The Protected Designation of Origin "Frascati Superiore" is recognized to the homonymous white wine, in the two variants: Superiore and Riserva.

Grapes

The Frascati Superiore as well as its Riserva variant must be produced respecting a composition that requires the use, for at least 70%, of grapes from Malvasia bianca di Candia and/or Malvasia del Lazio vines. The remaining 30% can be made from Bellone, Bombino Bianco, Greco Bianco, Trebbiano Toscano, Trebbiano Giallo vines, also in combination. Finally, other white grapes, suitable for cultivation in Lazio (maximum 15%), may also contribute to the formation of this 30%.

Physicochemical and Organoleptic properties

Frascati Superiore is a fresh and balanced wine with a good structure. It has a pleasant straw yellow colour, with variable intensity. The aroma is intense, combined with a characteristic and delicate scent, with floral notes. The taste is dry and savory, soft and velvety, with a normal acidity and a bitter aftertaste not very perceptible. The minimum total alcoholic strength by volume is at least 12.00% vol., which rises to 13.00% vol. for the Riserva.

Grape production area

The production area extends for about 8,300 hectares near Rome and includes the slopes of the northern side of the Colli Albani. The climate is mild, with rather high average temperatures, conditions that favour viticulture.

Specificity and historical notes

Viticulture in the Frascati production area dates back to Roman times. There are numerous quotations of fine wines in the documents of the time. Starting with Marco Porzio Catone, who in the De Agricoltura set the technical rules of winemaking. Varrone, on the other hand, remembers the so-called Vinalia, that is to say, the festivals in homage to the new wine of the Tuscolo.