LATITUDE
LONGITUDE
APPELATIONS
The Castelli Romani, literally meaning "Roman Castles," occupies a crescent-shaped territory southeast of Rome in the heart of Lazio. This volcanic landscape encompasses 14 charming hilltop towns scattered across the extinct Colli Albani volcano, creating a natural amphitheatre around the crater lakes of Albano and Nemi. The region's name derives from the numerous noble residences and castles that once dotted these hills, serving as summer retreats for Roman aristocracy seeking respite from the capital's sweltering heat.
The Castelli Romani DOC spans approximately 330,000 hectares within the Metropolitan City of Rome. Vineyards are strategically positioned at altitudes ranging from 200 to 1,000 feet (61 to 305 meters), taking advantage of the cooling effects of elevation and proximity to the Tyrrhenian Sea. The region experiences a Mediterranean climate, with Growing Degree Days (GDD) typically between 1,600 and 1,800, ideal for cultivating both white and red grape varieties. Castelli Romani DOC is produced in the Alban Hills, located southeast of Rome.
Annual precipitation averages 800–1,000 millimetres (31–39 inches), with most rainfall occurring during autumn and winter. The region benefits from approximately 2,500 hours of sunshine annually, with summer temperatures reaching 32.9°C (91.2°F) and winter lows dropping to 11.2°C (52.2°F). These conditions, combined with the volcanic terroir, create optimal growing conditions for the region's signature grape varieties.
Wine production in the Castelli Romani dates back to ancient Roman times, with wine amphorae discovered in wealthy tombs near the Tiber River as early as the 7th century BC. King Numa Pompilius reportedly introduced winemaking techniques to Rome after discovering vine cultivation in Nemi. The region's winemaking tradition flourished under Roman rule, with poets such as Horace and Juvenal praising the local wines enjoyed by the nobility. Historically, however, Castelli Romani wines had a poor reputation, often being diluted with water to increase profit.
During the medieval period, viticulture continued under the care of monastic institutions. The real renaissance came in 1515 when Prince Marcantonio Colonna granted Frascati city statutes that established vineyard zones and regulated the wine trade. The Castelli Romani DOC designation was officially established in 1996, formalizing the region's long-standing winemaking traditions. Modern improvements in winemaking have led to Castelli Romani wines being described as good, simple, honest, and accessible.
Vineyard Hectares
WINERIES
GROWING DEGREE DAYS
The Castelli Romani DOC is situated in the scenic Alban Hills (Colli Albani), approximately 20–25 kilometres southeast of Rome, in the Lazio region. This crescent-shaped area consists of 14 hill towns that stretch along the slopes of an ancient volcanic complex. Castelli Romani DOC is one of the wine designations from Lazio, which encompasses 30 different official designations, highlighting the area's rich winemaking heritage.
Two famous crater lakes, Lake Albano and Lake Nemi, highlight the landscape, marked by picturesque hilltop villages such as Frascati, Marino, and Castel Gandolfo. The vineyards of Castelli Romani DOC extend up to 600 meters (about 1,970 feet) above sea level, with some plots falling within the administrative boundaries of Rome.
The region’s proximity to both Rome and the Tyrrhenian Sea provides a distinct geographic identity and accessibility.
Castelli Romani enjoys a classic Mediterranean climate, with the Alban Hills offering slightly cooler and fresher conditions than the lowlands of Rome.
The region benefits from about 2,500 annual hours of sunshine, with average summer highs reaching the low 30s °C (high 80s to low 90s °F) and winter lows dipping into the low teens °C (low to mid-50s °F). Most rainfall occurs from autumn through early spring, resulting in an annual precipitation range of 800–1,000 mm (31–39 inches).
The nearby Tyrrhenian Sea and crater lakes (Albano and Nemi) add humidity, helping to moderate both summer heat and winter chill. Cool nighttime breezes descend from the hills, preserving grape acidity and imparting a freshness that is a hallmark of Castelli Romani wines.
The soil in the Castelli Romani DOC is a direct legacy of its volcanic origins.
A wide range of grapes is used for the wines of this region. The most common are Malvasia di Lazio and di Candia, Trebbiano Toscano, Bellone, and Bombino for the whites. For the reds, the signature grapes are Cesanese, Sangiovese, Montepulciano, Merlot, and Nero Buono.
The Castelli Romani DOC's white wine production centers on indigenous varieties that have adapted perfectly to the volcanic terroir. White Castelli Romani wines are primarily made from Malvasia and Trebbiano grape varieties:
Red wine production utilizes both indigenous and international varieties:
The Castelli Romani DOC encompasses a diverse range of wine styles, including dry, semi-sweet, and sparkling varieties, all produced in this region. Novello wines, a distinctive type of young red wine characterized by an intense, fruity, and slightly sour flavour, are also part of the region's offerings. Additionally, light-bodied, fruity, and energetic rosé wines (Rosato) are produced in the Castelli Romani region. The Cannellino di Frascati style, a type of sweet wine ideal as a dessert wine, is also produced here.
Wine Styles and Characteristics:
Castelli Romani wines excel with Roman cuisine, creating natural synergies developed over centuries.
White wine pairings:
Red wine pairings:
The Castelli Romani offer exceptional wine tourism opportunities just 25 kilometres from Rome. Visitors can explore medieval hilltop towns while discovering family-owned wineries that have been operating for centuries and offering insightful wine tours. In addition, the region's "fraschette", traditional taverns serving local wines with rustic fare, provide authentic cultural experiences.
Popular wine routes include visits to Frascati's historic center, Castel Gandolfo's papal summer residence, and the scenic lakes of Albano and Nemi. Spring and early autumn offer ideal visiting conditions with mild temperatures and clear skies.
The Castelli Romani wine industry increasingly embraces sustainable viticulture and organic certification. Leading producers, such as De Sanctis, Tenimenti Leone, and Merumalia, have achieved organic certification, thereby avoiding synthetic pesticides and fertilizers while promoting biodiversity.
Sustainable practices include:
These initiatives reflect the growing consumer demand for environmentally responsible wines while preserving the region's traditional character. The natural fertility of volcanic soils reduces the need for external inputs, making organic conversion more feasible than in other regions.
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