Frascati
Denominazione di Origine
Controllata
Azienda Agricola Casale Marchese
Story of the wine:
Frascati is possibly one of the best-known names of Italian wine. The main reasons for this being its proximity to Rome, an important market, and the consequent attention it has attracted over the centuries, being frequently referred to in literature. The town of Frascati was, for centuries, a weekend retreat for wealthy Romans; hence as early as 1450 it had over 1,000 taverns! The estate of Casale Marchese is on the hillside overlooking Rome; indeed the dome of St Peter’s can be seen on a clear day. Their wines are notable for Casale Marchese’s preference for using the Malvasia varietals to their full extent, despite the fact that they are difficult to grow. It was only in 1989 that the estate began to commercialise wines under its own name.
| Grape(s): | 35% Malvasia di Candia and Malvasia del Lazio, 25% Trebbiano Toscano, 20% Bellone, 20% Bombino |
| Area: | From the vineyards of the estate which is near the town of Frascati itself. |
| Av. age: | 10-15 years |
| Training: | Cordone Speronato and Double Guyot |
| Density: | 4,200 per ha. |
| Yield: | 56 hl/ha |
| Harvest: | Manual harvest in the first week of September to the beginning of August. |
| Vinification: | After crushing in membrane presses the must is clarified by centrifuge and fermented in temperature controlled vats at around 180C. |
| Ageing: | It is kept in stainless steel vats until it is ready for bottling. |
Descriptions for Wine List:
1) A light honeyed nose and herbal undertones combine with a light and
sophisticated bitterness on the finish.
2) Frascati is now beginning to show just how good a wine it can be by
using predominantly Malvasia grapes, which give an extra depth to
the wine. A light, honeyed nose and herbal undertones combine with
a light and sophisticated bitterness on the finish.
3) The Casale Marchese estate makes Frascati as it should be made. They
use the best clones of Malvasia and only use their name for the best
15 – 20% of their wines. This means that this Frascati has an added
depth and intensity that belies the reputation of this wine. A light,
honeyed nose and herbal undertones combine with a subtle and
sophisticated bitterness on the finish.
