Principe Pallavicini, Frascati

Description

This wine is light straw-yellow in colour with youthful reflections. The nose has very delicate aromas of citrus fruit and blossom. On the palate, it is dry with refreshing acidity.

The history of the Pallavicini family, who have owned land in the Lazio region for hundreds of years, is intertwined with that of Popes, Cardinals, Generals and Princes. The Palazzo Pallavicini-Rospigliosi on the Quirinal Hill in Rome is a clear testament to this remarkable ancestry. Among the Pallavicini’s proprieties is the Tenuta di Colonna, in the Castelli Romani area southeast of Rome. Here they have around 60 hectares of vines, of which about 50 are white varieties planted at an elevation of 200 metres on a combination of volcanic soils, calcareous clays and sand. The history of this area is even older than the Pallavicini family. According to legend, the Cretans built the first hilltop villages in Castelli Romani when they arrived in 1200 BC after being displaced by the Mycenaeans. The Principe Pallavicini winery is built over a Roman cistern and aqueduct, while Roman artefacts and remains can be regularly found everywhere on the estate.

Within this historically rich context, modern techniques are used to produce clean and vibrant wines, highlighting the character of their indigenous varieties. The ‘Frascati’ blends Malvasia di Candia and Malvasia del Lazio (aka Malvasia Puntinata) with varieties such as Trebbiano and Greco. After crushing and gentle pressing, a classic white wine vinification ensures the delicate floral profile is perfectly preserved in the wine. The white Roma DOC is made from 100% Malvasia del Lazio, macerated on its skins briefly before pressing and fermentation. The final wine then ages on its lees for four to five months before bottling.

The ‘Rubillo’ is made from Cesanese grapes harvested by hand at the beginning of October. After selection, the grapes are crushed and fermented on their skins for about two weeks before ageing in stainless steel. This wine is balanced and pure, with an attractive nose, ripe fruit and a hint of spice on the palate. The red Roma DOC blends Montepulciano, Syrah and Cesanese, aged briefly in French tonneaux to create a structured wine with hints of spice and a long finish.