
Founded by ancient Romans the wine region of Lazio, the Aminea grape was originally grown to produce the favorite wine of the time, Falerno. Falerno, named after the town, produced both white and red with the infamous navy captain, Pliny the Elder, describing the vintage as the best wine he had ever tasted being strong, yet sweet.
Lazio borders Marche, Umbria and Tuscany, and is 6,655 square miles. Tuscany borders Lazio to the north, with Molise and Abruzzo to the east. Campania border the region to the south, with the Tyrrhenian Sea on the west side. The terrain is flat, but also hilly with mountains being dominant in the south and east districts.
Based on the reputation of being Malvasia and Trebbiano, The wines in Lazio were usually well-rounded, and made to drink immediately. Today wines produced in Lazio are light, dry and crisp due to the vinification methods that are used today.
There are 26 DOC’s in Lazio, including Castelli Romani, Frascati, Est! Est!! Est!!! di Montefiascone, Orvieti, and Marino. Just south of Rome in Piglio, are two other Cesaneses: di Olevano Romano and di Affile. The Velletri is the region’s leading red, which is a powerful wine made from Sangiovese, Cesanese, Montepulciano, Merlot and Ciliegiolo.
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Joseph Phelps Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon is made from 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 1% Merlot, 1% Malbec.
A classic Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon with inviting violet, dark fruit, tobacco, subtle baking spice and earthy dried herb aromatics. The palate is filled with expressive black cherry, blackberry and dark plum, hints of spice box and sweet vanilla bean. A focused, concentrated wine with youthful energy and freshness nimbly balanced by supple tannin structure and finesse.
Review:
Blackcurrants, spiced cedar and dark spices with bark undertones. Full-bodied with very fine, velvety tannins. Textured and compact with a firm, lingering finish. Tight at the end. Needs time to open.
-James Suckling 94 Points
Ferren Chardonnay Volpert Vineyard is 100 percent Chardonnay.
At the end of Taylor Lane outside of the coastal village of Occidental lies Volpert Vineyard. With the Pacific Ocean in sight, this vineyard resides at the far western edge of the West Sonoma Coast AVA. As such, this may be the source of our most high-toned and mineral laden wines. Owned by the Volpert family and farmed organically by Greg Adams, these five acres of heritage clone Pinot noir and Chardonnay are at the absolute cutting edge of Sonoma Coast viticulture.
Review:
Aromatic and distinctive, with a hint of smoked sea salt up front. Offers flavors of pear, yellow apple and peach at the core, with lime zest and herbal accents of lemon verbena, lemon balm and honeysuckle, plus a touch of fresh ginger. All of the flavors reverberate with fresh acidity and cardamom details on the finish. Drink now through 2038.—M.W."
- Wine Spectator (May 2025), 95 pts