Echoes of Lazio: Casale del Giglio Gives a Modern Take on Ancient Grapes
Casale del Giglio Old Farmhouse
Casale del Giglio had a clear vision for the Lazio region of Italy. A region not yet widely recognized for its unique, terroir-driven wines, unlike many long-established appellations that had already gained distinction, but in the eyes of founder Dr. Dino Santarelli and his son Antonio it held great potential.
Together, with winemaker Paolo Tiefenthaler and several agriculturists and academic researchers, they began a project that would test 57 grape varieties in relation to the winery’s particular soil and climate. Their experimentation would be a catalyst for furthering the recognition of a small, yet distinct wine destination that would become adored for its native varieties and fresh wine styles.
“Casale del Giglio discovered that some French grapes worked very well in the area like Petit Verdot, Petit Manseng (white), and Viognier. While these wines are comparable to French wine, they are still quite different. We have a lot of water in the soil, we have a lot of minerality from the sea breeze, but it is warmer than the French area of production.” says brand ambassador Giovanni Silvestri. “We also went on to discover these grapes that are very ancient in Rome. The Bellone is one and Cesanese is the other, but Bellone has the oldest history of vinification and was drunk by the ancient Romans. Only lately, winemakers in the region have been working on the development of this wine.”
Casale del Giglio has revived native grapes to the Lazio region that include Bellone and Cesanese that are beacons of a regional signature within the winery’s 21 wine portfolio.
Lazio’s Native Grape Revival: Four Wines to Know
Elder farmers within the Lazio region claimed that the very best Bellone grew by the sea. After some of the coastal Bellone remained untouched by the phylloxera devastation in the 1870’s, the farmers’ proclamations rang true. The resistant Bellone of the Casale del Giglio vineyards is a truly beautiful survivor story.
Casale Del Giglio Bellone Lazio Bianco IGT 2023
This is a thick-skinned grape whose vines are affected by a steady sea breeze in the Latium region that results in ripe, rich flavours of lemon zest, pineapple and lime, coupled with distinct mineral mouthfeel and citrus-infused acidity in the glass. Rich, with a zesty flair and exceptional balance.
Anthium Bellone Lazio Bianco IGT 2024
This Bellone, an ancient grape of Lazio, is cultivated from estate 60-year-old vines near the town of Anzio, Italy. A golden, silky texture beams with bright acidity and a deliciously distinct, salty minerality that’s reflective of its coastal origin. Apricot, mango and floral notes are embedded within the poised structure and reside on a long finish. The Anthium, an exquisite wine, is a region defined within a bottle. Drink now or hold.
Radix is made with 100% Bellone that undergoes wild fermentation and an approximate two-week skin maceration before it sees two years of lees contact in terracotta amphora. Through these winemaking techniques, with an additional 6-month bottle aging period prior to release, the Bellone is amplified in texture and flavour. The aromas and palate exemplify ginger, citrus and spice notes that surround a refreshing, expansive and layered profile that trails on a prolonged finish. Drink now through 2032.
Casale del Giglio Cesanese Lazio Rosso IGT 2023
The ancient grape Cesanese is revealed by Casale del Giglio in a way that combines regional typicity with intriguing house style. The grapes are late harvested giving plenty of time to develop ripe, red berry flavours infused with dried herbal notes and black pepper spice with an equalizing acidity and freshness. This bottle will surely reward another 5-10 years of cellaring. Pair with tomato-based pasta dishes or braised beef stew.
These wines were paired with authentic Roman cuisine by Chef Alessandro Panattoni at TOCA, Ritz-Carlton in Toronto.
