Posted By Joel on June 8, 2009

Tenuta di Pietra Porzia Frascati Superiore Regillo 2007

Roman mythology tells of the Dioscuri, twin sons of Jupiter, who were to have descended from the sky appearing as young horsemen during the battle of Lake Regillus nearby Frascati, to lead the Romans to victory against the Latins in 496 B.C.  The Dioscuri, especially honored by the Romans, are depicted on the bottle label of Tenuta di Pietra Porzia’s Frascati Regillo Superiore.

Frascati, a white wine celebrated in both legend and literature, has a strong association with Roman life and culture.  It is produced in the region of Lazio within the Frascati DOC zone which includes the communes of Frascati, Grottaferrata, Monte Porzio Catone, Montecompatri, and even parts of Rome itself!

First established as Quarto di Pietra Porzia in 1714, Tenuta di Pietra Porzia is located near Frascati, about 18km southwest of Rome. Although not certified “organic”, the estate does employ sustainable growing practices of low impact to the environment, insects and wildlife.  The estate is today owned by Vittorio Giulini.

40 or so hectares of south facing vineyards sited in volcanic soil at 900 ft. altitude grow the estate’s two varieties of Malvasia, Trebbiano, Grechetto, and Bombino used to make their Frascati Superiore Regillo.  And by the way, Tenuta di Pietra Porzia’s wines contain less than half the sulfite dose allowed by law.

Temperature controlled fermentation is carried out in stainless steel. The wine is retained in stainless steel tanks until the end January following harvest and then held in bottle for an additional 3 months before being released to market.

Tasting Notes / Impressions

The wine is a deep golden color of summer straw and is luminescent in the glass. Rich scents of fresh pear and citrus on the nose, and a clean, lively palate of pear and green honeydew melon.  An appealing glycerin quality is well balanced by citrus-y acidity.  Deliciously dry and firm on the finish with tasty notes of almond-marzipan.  A full bodied, sturdy Frascati.

Food Pairing Suggestions:

This a great wine for any kind of lighter fare or antipasti, and can be served beautifully alone as a refreshing aperitivo.  That said, you might consider pairing this wine with lobster or crab, a creative seafood cocktail, fried calamari or stuffed artichokes.

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Categories: Uncategorized
Tags: Bombino, Grechetto, Malvasia, Trebbiano