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.
No products found
All older vintage wines have been purchased from a single collectors cellar. Pictures can be requested before shipment.
Matthews Winery Columbia Valley Cuvee is made from 65% Merlot, 27% Cabernet Franc, 8% Malbec.
The 2021 Columbia Valley Cuvée sparkles with purple and deep garnet in the glass. Meadow flowers, fresh red berry, black plum, and cocoa powder aromas exhilarate leading to flavors of morello cherry liqueur, cardamom, mountain blackberry, and licorice snaps. This merlot-dominant blend is plush and weighty on the palate with powdery tannins. Dark stone fruits and dusty minerality coat the palate for a long, seamless finish.
Reviews:
A handsome blend, structured and polished, with expressive black cherry flavors accented by tarragon, mocha espresso and toasty spices that sail toward refined tannins. Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. Drink now through 2031.
-Wine Spectator 93 Points
This Merlot-based blend is a part of the Matthews tradition. Wildly fruity aromatics with whole berries, destemmed aromas driven by red berries, mountain blueberries, and a touch of green peppercorn and mocha dust. A streak of graphite underlines red berries, early season blackberries and a savoury herbal character that mingles complexity with fresh ripe fruits.
-Decanter 93 Points