Frusinate

The Protected Geographical Indication "Frusinate" or "Del Frusinate" identifies a wide range of white wines (also sparkling), red wines (also novelli and sparkling), rosé wines (also sparkling) and passiti.

Grapes

The grapes suitable for cultivation in Lazio may be used for the production of "Frusinate" PGI wines. In case of specification of Sangiovese, Cabernet sauvignon, Cabernet franc, Merlot, Passerina, Malvasia, Pinot bianco, Syrah, Bellone, Moscato bianco, Olivella, Bombino, Capolongo, Maturano, Lecinaro, Pampanaro vines, at least 85% of the grapes of the corresponding variety must be used, while the remaining 15% may come from vines suitable for cultivation in Lazio.

Physicochemical and Organoleptic properties

The white "Frusinate" (minimum total alcoholic strength by volume 10.50% vol.) is yellow in colour, sometimes tending towards golden or greenish, with a fruity aroma and a dry and savoury flavour. The red type (11.00% vol.), however, is characterized by a ruby red color tending to garnet with aging, combined with a fruity aroma and a harmonious taste. The rosé version (10.50% vol.) has a cherry pink colour with a fine perfume and a delicate, velvety flavour. The passito (16.00% vol.), finally, is red tending to garnet with aging, fruity aroma and sweet taste, harmonious.

Grape production area

The production area consists of two valleys, those of the Sacco and Liri rivers, and a mountainous and hilly territory, consisting of the western slopes of the Simbruini-Ernici mountain range and the eastern slopes of the Lepini-Ausoni-Aurunci mountain range.

Specificity and historical notes

The origins of the Frusinate wine-growing tradition date back to the time of the people who inhabited the area in ancient times, later incorporated by the Romans. The contamination of the techniques typical of the Etruscan and Greek schools can still be seen today in the northern part of the province of Frusinate. The network of Benedictine monasteries contributed decisively to the commercial development of the vine and wine, which, over the centuries, have played a fundamental role in the local economy.