LATITUDE
LONGITUDE
APPELATIONS
Think of Colli della Sabina DOC as Italy’s best-kept secret hiding in plain sight, just an hour northeast of Rome.
Like a family recipe passed down through generations but never shared with neighbours, this wine region has been quietly crafting exceptional wines while the spotlight shines on Tuscany’s rolling hills and Piedmont’s prestigious estates.
But here’s the thing about secrets: once you discover them, you wonder how you lived without them.
Colli della Sabina DOC is one of several unique wine-producing areas within Lazio, each distinguished by its own landscape and character, from volcanic hills to fertile plains and historic wine districts.
In this in-depth guide, we’ll delve into the fascinating region that bridges ancient Roman history with modern winemaking innovation, exploring everything from its volcanic terroir to its sustainable practices, from traditional grape varieties to award-winning producers who are redefining what Lazio wine can be.
Nestled in the foothills of the central Apennines, Colli della Sabina DOC represents the intersection where history meets terroir in one of Italy’s most compelling wine stories.
Created in September 1996, this designation covers the hilly Rieti province, northeast of Rome, centring around villages such as Cantalupo in Sabina, Castelnuovo di Farfa, Fara Sabina, Selci, and Tarano.
Lazio, the region in which Colli della Sabina is situated, boasts over 25,000 hectares of vineyards, underscoring its significance in Italian viticulture and highlighting its place among Italy's diverse wine regions.
The region sits at the heart of the Italian Peninsula, roughly equidistant from the Tyrrhenian and Adriatic coasts (about 50 miles from each), creating a unique continental influence that sets it apart from coastal wine regions.
This geographic positioning, combined with its elevation in the Apennine foothills, creates microclimates that provide ideal conditions for producing both fresh whites and structured reds.
The wines produced here reflect the distinctive terroir and climate of Colli della Sabina.
Colli della Sabina’s story begins with the ancient Sabines, remembered in the 8th-century BC legend of the Rape of the Sabine Women.
When Sabine women were abducted during Roman times, the conflict ended only when the women themselves stepped in to make peace — an early symbol of balance that mirrors the region’s winemaking spirit today.
The legend of Emperor Henry V, who travelled through Germany on his way to Italy, is often associated with the region’s historical narrative, further highlighting its connection to the broader history of the Holy Roman Empire.
Viticulture here predates even that legend. The cultivation of wines in Lazio has been recognized since the time of the Etruscans, highlighting the region’s long-standing winemaking tradition.
The Etruscans were the first to cultivate vines, later expanded under the Romans, who, under Emperor Marcus Aurelius Probus, sent their legions to plant vineyards across conquered territories.
In fact, grape cultivation was present in this area well before Roman influence, showing the early and significant roots of winemaking in Lazio.
By the 16th century, Pope Paul III had recognized the quality of Sabina wines, regulating production to help meet the demand in Rome.
The modern revival came in the 1980s, when producers began emphasizing quality, earning the region its DOC status in 1996.
Vineyard Hectares
WINERIES
GROWING DEGREE DAYS
Colli della Sabina DOC spans across 25 municipalities in the provinces of Rieti and Rome, stretching from approximately 20 kilometres north of the capital to the southern border of Umbria. The vineyards are planted on gentle slopes and hills that provide excellent drainage and sun exposure.
The region benefits from a Mediterranean climate moderated by altitude and continental influences from the nearby Apennine Mountains. Summers are warm and dry, with average temperatures ranging from 25–28°C (77–82°F), while winters are mild, with temperatures rarely dropping below freezing. The significant diurnal temperature variation, often exceeding 15°C (27°F) between day and night temperatures, helps preserve acidity in the grapes while allowing for full phenolic ripening.
Annual precipitation ranges from 800 to 900 mm (31–35 inches), concentrated primarily in the autumn and winter months, providing natural irrigation while keeping the growing season relatively dry.
The terroir foundation is built on a fascinating geological blend of volcanic soils, limestone, and clay deposits. The volcanic component comes from ancient eruptions of nearby volcanic districts, particularly the Monti Sabatini system, which has deposited mineral-rich tufa and volcanic ash throughout the area. These soils are particularly rich in potassium and phosphorus, providing excellent drainage while retaining enough moisture to support vine growth during dry periods.
A wide diversity of wine grapes is cultivated in the region, contributing to the complexity and character of its wines.
The signature grapes are, on the white side, Malvasia del Lazio, Trebbiano Toscano, Malvasia di Candia, and Trebbiano Giallo.
On the other hand, the most planted reds are Sangiovese and Montepulciano.
The region’s versatility shines through its ability to produce both red and white wines, with five distinct wine styles: Bianco, Rosso, Rosato, Spumante and Novello:
Colli della Sabina wines are both distinctly Italian and effortlessly food-friendly — true diplomats at the table, able to bridge diverse flavours while keeping their own character intact.
Colli della Sabina DOC wines are known for their approachable flavours and are best matched with regional Italian dishes, making them a versatile choice for any meal.
They pair particularly well with regional dishes like sardamirelli, salted meats, and strong cheeses, enhancing their appeal at the table.
Colli della Sabina offers an intimate wine tourism experience that feels like visiting extended family rather than checking off tourist attractions. The region's proximity to Rome makes it perfect for day trips, yet it feels worlds away from the capital's bustling energy.
Wine tourism here centers on small, family-run operations, where visitors often have the opportunity to meet the winemaker personally. The typical experience includes vineyard walks among the volcanic soils, cellar tours in converted Roman-era structures, and tastings paired with local olive oil and artisanal cheeses. Foods that pair well with red Colli della Sabina DOC wines include grilled red meats, hearty soups, and aged cheeses, enhancing the tasting experience.
The Sabine Hills also offer cooking classes, olive oil tours, and cultural experiences that connect visitors to the region's deep agricultural traditions. Unlike more commercialized wine regions, these experiences maintain an authentic, unhurried pace that reflects the area's commitment to quality over quantity.
Colli della Sabina is home to dedicated producers who combine tradition, innovation, and sustainability to express the true character of this land:
Colli della Sabina’s wine industry treats sustainability not as a trend, but as a way of life. Some of the main practices implemented by the local producers are:
This holistic approach makes Colli della Sabina a standout model for sustainable wine production in central Italy: balancing respect for nature, people, and tradition in every bottle. The success of these sustainability initiatives is evident in the consistently high quality of wines produced in the region.
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