Circeo
"Circeo"; is a Protected Designation of Origin that identifies a wide range of wines of Lazio origin: white (with sparkling and spumante), red (also novello and frizzante), rosé (also frizzante), Trebbiano, Merlot and Sangiovese.
Grapes
The three types of Circeo Bianco are produced using grapes from vineyards composed of at least 55% Trebbiano toscano, 30% (maximum) Chardonnay and 30% (maximum) Malvasia del Lazio. Other white grapes may also be used, up to a limit of 15%, provided they are suitable for cultivation in Lazio. For the Rosso, the legal composition provides for a minimum of 55% Merlot, 30% (maximum) Sangiovese and 30% (maximum) Cabernet Sauvignon. In this case too, up to a limit of 15%, other red grapes are allowed. Finally, in wines with Trebbiano, Merlot and Sangiovese indications, 85% of the grapes must come from the corresponding vine and the remaining 15% (maximum) from other suitable ones.
Physicochemical and Organoleptic properties
The Circeo Bianco (minimum total alcoholic strength by volume 11% vol.) is straw-coloured, with a fragrant, harmonious and fruity aroma and a fresh, dry and always harmonious flavour. Similar characteristics also apply to Spumante (11.5% vol.), embellished with greenish reflections, fine and persistent froth and a lively taste. The Rosso (12% vol.) is ruby red in colour, with an intense and characteristic aroma and a full-bodied, full, dry and harmonious flavour. In the Novello variant (11% vol. ) it matures purplish nuances, a persistent perfume and a fresh, harmonious, balanced, round and lively taste. Even the Rosato (11% vol.) has violet reflections, combined with a fine and pleasant aroma and a dry to sweet, harmonious, delicate and velvety taste. Trebbiano, Sangiovese and Merlot, finally, have additional characteristics that recall the reference vineyard.
Grape production area
The production area is located in Lazio, in the province of Latina, in the southern part of the Agro Pontino.
Specificity and historical notes
The viticulture of the Agro Pontino area has experienced a new life after the reclamation of the area, which took place in the 30s of 1900.
Source: MIPAAF - Ministry of agricultural, food and forestry policies