Castelli Romani

For the Italian wine grape also known as Castelli Romani, see Trebbiano.

A map showing the Castelli

The Castelli Romani ("Castles of Rome") is a group of communes in the province of Rome, Italy. They are located at short distance south-east to Rome, at the feet of the Alban Hills.

Overview

The area of the Castelli occupies an ancient, fertile volcanic area which has allowed since ancient times a flourishing agriculture. The former crater is occupied by two lakes, the Lake of Nemi and that of Albano.

Starting from the Romans, it was an area frequented by the noblemen of Rome for its fresher climate during summer: the tradition was followed by the Popes which still have their summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, on the Lake Albano. Families which ruled in the castelli include Orsini, Colonna, Chigi, Aldobrandini and Ruspoli.

Municipalities

The Savelli Castle in Rocca Priora

The Lake Albano. In the background Castel Gandolfo

The Castelli Romani are:

• Albano Laziale
• Ariccia
• Castel Gandolfo
• Ciampino
• Colonna
• Frascati
• Genzano di Roma
• Grottaferrata
• Lanuvio
• Lariano
• Marino
• Monte Compatri
• Monte Porzio Catone
• Nemi
• Rocca di Papa
• Rocca Priora
• Velletri

Cuisine and food

The area is renowned for the production of wine, including the white wine of Frascati.

Ariccia is celebrated for its porchetta (roasted pork meat). Local sweets include maritozzi, a kind of sweet bun. Pizzas here tend to be with a thin, crusty base (typically Roman) and rectangular, with portions often sold by weight, allowing a wider choice of flavours.

Typical courses for a meal include starter, pasta, main course, dessert and coffee (espresso), perhaps washed down with a sambuca, grappa or other digestif.

Castelli Romani DOC

Since 1996, the Castelli Romani area has been home to a large Denominazione di origine controllata (DOC) zone that makes a wide variety of wine including rosés, slightly sparkling frizzantes and both dry and sweet wines. The DOC red and rosés are composed of Cesanese Comune, Merlot, Montepulciano, Nero Buono and Sangiovese with up to 15% of other local red grape varieties such as Abbuoto. The white wines of the region are composed of Malvasia Candia, Puntinata and Trebbiano with up to 30% of other local white grape varieties. Grapes destined for DOC production must be harvested to a yield no greater than 12 tonnes/hectare with the white and rosés attaining a minimum alcohol level of at least 10.5% and the reds being having at least 11% alcohol by volume.

See also

Alban Hills Lake Nemi Lake Albano Cecchina

Pavona Vermicino History of Rome History of Lazio

External links

• Castelli Romani
• Portal of the Castelli Romani
• Cultural/tourist Portal of the Castles Roman
• Italy Travel video in English of the Castelli Romani