Castello di Torre in Pietra
ROMA | LAZIO
LAZIO
| Founded: | 1500 | |
| Owner: | Filippo Antonelli | |
| Winemaker: | Antonino De Gennaro Aquino | |
| Hectares under vines: | 52ha | |
| Altitude above sea level: | 50m | |
| Average annual production: | 210,000 bottles | |
| Green code: | Certified Organic |
WHAT THEY SAY
Torre in Pietra has a history that goes back to the 13th century - the stones paving the garden are taken from the Via Aurelia, the ancient roman road from Rome to Pisa; one can still see the ruts from wagon wheels. Originally a large agricultural estate, the property was purchased in the 16th century by the Peretti family (Pope Sixtus V - Pope Sixth the Fifth), and the existence of vineyards at that time has been well documented, as through successive changes of ownership. In the thirties, the estate was purchased by Senator Luigi Albertini, editor and owner of the newspaper Corriere della Sera. He created a model agricultural estate that covered 2500 hectares of land, specializing in milk production. However, from the beginning, the Senator turned his attention to winemaking, enlarging the existing cellar (in 1938, during excavation, important mammoth remains were discovered) and planting new vineyards.
WHAT WE SAY
The ancient, pastoral estate at Castello di Torre in Pietra feels like stepping back in time. All around is tranquil, verdant loveliness: close enough, but in many ways so far from the beautiful chaos of Rome. From the point of view of wine production, Lazio has never enjoyed the renown of many other appellations in Italy, even if generations of tourists to Rome fall in love with Frascati, or Est! Est!! Est!!! - simple white wines that can certainly be pleasing, but rarely great.
But there is a new DOC in town...and it carries the name of the great city that lies just to the east. Roma DOC comes in a red and a white version. The white is made from Malvasia Puntinata, also called Malvasia di Lazio, although Bombino Bellone or Trebbiano Verde are also permitted. The red features Cesanese along with Montepulciano and Sangiovese.
WINES WE IMPORT
WHITES:
Elephas Bianco IGT (Trebbiano/Vermentino/Fiano)
REDS:
Elephas Rosso IGT (Montepulciano/Sangiovese)
Roma Rosso Amor DOC (Montepulciano/Cesanese/Sangiovese)