LATITUDE
LONGITUDE
APPELATIONS
Welcome to the world of Frascati Superiore DOCG, where ancient Roman winemaking traditions meet modern excellence in one of Italy's most celebrated wine regions. Like a perfectly executed business strategy, this wine appellation combines heritage, terroir, and innovation to deliver something truly exceptional.
Think of Frascati Superiore as the overachiever in Italy's wine family. It earned its DOCG status in 2011, not through politics, but through the relentless pursuit of quality. This isn't your grandfather's table wine; it's a sophisticated expression of Italian terroir that pairs complexity with accessibility, much like the best tech companies strike a balance between innovation and user experience.
This guide on Frascati Superiore DOCG covers its history, volcanic terroir, grape varieties, wine styles, quality standards, food pairings, and sustainable practices. Perfect for enthusiasts or travellers, it highlights what makes this Italian region exceptional.
Located in the heart of the Roman Castelli, just 25 kilometres southeast of Rome, Frascati Superiore DOCG occupies a privileged position in the northern Colli Albani hills. This isn’t just any wine region; it’s where ancient Romans came to escape the summer heat and where Renaissance popes built their summer residences.
The appellation encompasses the municipalities of Frascati, Grottaferrata, Monte Porzio Catone, parts of Rome, and portions of Montecompatri. Picture this as Rome’s sophisticated suburban wine district, where volcanic soils meet Mediterranean breezes to create something magical. Local traditions, climate, and winemaking practices play a crucial role in shaping the unique character of Frascati Superiore DOCG wines.
The region enjoys a Mediterranean climate, characterized by warm summers (average temperature 30°C / 86°F) and mild winters (typically ranging 12°C / 54°F to 18°C / 64°F). The wettest months are November and December, with each receiving around 100mm of rainfall.
The story of Frascati is like a legendary origin tale, but instead of Silicon Valley startups, it's ancient Rome and togas. Archaeological evidence shows that grape cultivation in this area dates back more than 5,000 years, making it one of Italy’s oldest wine-producing regions. The Romans didn’t just stumble upon Frascati—they embraced it as their premier wine destination. By 1450, historical records indicate that the town boasted 1,022 taverns, underscoring its long-standing reputation as a hub for wine enthusiasts.
During the fourteenth century, winemaking flourished across Lazio; however, it was the Renaissance period that truly transformed Frascati. The construction of grand villas attracted visitors and boosted local tourism, which in turn elevated the region’s winemaking prestige. This era laid the foundation for the wine culture that thrives there today.
Frascati’s modern wine identity dates back to 1966, with the establishment of the Frascati DOC, one of Italy’s earliest DOC designations. This marked the region’s commitment to quality and regulation. The journey continued upward when, in 2011, Frascati Superiore earned its prestigious DOCG status. This upgrade introduced stricter production standards and lower yields, signalling a clear focus on premium quality over quantity—a hallmark of today’s celebrated Frascati Superiore DOCG wines.
Vineyard Hectares
WINERIES
GROWING DEGREE DAYS
The Frascati Superiore DOCG sits strategically in the Alban Hills’ volcanic amphitheatre, where ancient Lake Regillo once existed. The vineyards face west and northwest toward the Tyrrhenian Sea, capturing beneficial sea breezes that prevent humidity buildup.
Think of Frascati’s climate as perfectly engineered for grape growing. The Mediterranean influence delivers warm, dry summers with temperatures reaching 30°C, while mild winters hover around 12°C. The diurnal temperature variation, enhanced by the elevation of over 1,000 feet, provides the slow, complete ripening that creates complexity.
The region receives moderate rainfall of 595mm annually, with strategic wet periods in autumn and winter, and dry summers averaging just 20 mm per month. This natural irrigation schedule mirrors what any smart viticulturist would design.
Here’s where Frascati gets its competitive advantage—volcanic soil types formed by the ancient Latium Volcano over 600,000 years ago. These well-drained, potassium- and phosphorus-rich soils include:
This volcanic foundation acts like a natural filtering system, forcing vines to dig deep while providing the mineral complexity that defines great wines. These soils foster vigorous vine growth, contributing to the health and productivity of the region's vineyards.
The grape composition reads like a carefully curated portfolio. Frascati Superiore DOCG is defined by its blend of local white grapes, primarily Malvasia and Trebbiano varieties. The specific blend influences the wine's aroma, flavour, and structure, contributing to its unique character.
Frascati Superiore DOCG has a grape composition of at least 70% Malvasia Bianca di Candia and/or Malvasia del Lazio.
Alongside Malvasia, Frascati Superiore DOCG allows up to 30% of other white grape varieties. These include members of the Trebbiano family, such as:
Along with:
Frascati Superiore DOCG represents the pinnacle of the appellation's expression. The taste of Frascati Superiore DOCG is described as dry, soft, comfortable, inviting, and elegant. A barrel-aged version of Frascati Superiore, known as Riserva, is available and typically has a higher alcohol content.
Styles and Characteristics
The standard Superiore displays straw-yellow colour with golden reflections, intense fruity aromas of ripe pear and tropical fruits, and a fresh, lively palate with a dry, almond-touched finish.
Frascati Superiore DOCG exhibits a straw colour, varying in intensity, and has an intense, distinctive, perfumed, and delicate scent.
Like a well-designed user interface, Frascati Superiore's food pairings are intuitive yet sophisticated. The wine's crisp acidity and mineral backbone make it the perfect Roman dining companion.
Classic Roman Cuisine:
Seafood Excellence:
Versatile Pairings:
Frascati Superiore pairs well with elaborate fish dishes, light pasta dishes, white meats, and aged cheeses. Its balanced acidity and minerality make it a versatile food wine with traditional Roman cuisine.
Frascati offers an accessible wine tourism experience just 30 minutes from Rome by train. The region combines historical significance with modern wine experiences, making it perfect for both wine novices and connoisseurs.
Transportation: Regular train service from Rome Termini takes approximately 20–30 minutes, with frequent departures throughout the day The compact region is easily navigable on foot or by bicycle
Tourism Highlights:
The Frascati region is increasingly embracing sustainable viticulture practices, driven by both environmental consciousness and a desire for quality improvement. This shift mirrors global wine industry trends toward responsible production.
Organic Practices:
Sustainable Technologies:
Native Variety Preservation:
Key Sustainability Leaders:
The region's sustainability movement reflects a broader understanding that environmental stewardship enhances rather than compromises wine quality. Like successful tech companies balancing profit with purpose, these producers demonstrate that sustainable practices create competitive advantages through terroir expression and consumer appeal.
Copyright © 2024 Vinerra Corp.
