2 July 2017
Didn’t know this kind of grape existed till I visited Frascati a few months ago and discovered that it is an autoctone variety from Lazio. This one is a IGT, but there is also a Cesanese del Piglio DOCG (also from Lazio).
Didn’t have much expectations, given the general mediocrity of the Frascati, the white blend variety (not a grape) typical of the Lazio region.
When I visited, I asked a local what he thought of the Frascati Superiore I got. The answer has been, that it is a good one, but that the grapes variety (mainly Malvasia, Bombino, Trebbiano, but quite flexible) being what they are, you cannot expect much. In this case, vox populi, definitely vox Dei. The wine was not worth being drunk. On the other side, what an interesting (positive) surprise with the Cesanese (maybe partially due to very low expectations).
At 14 EUR, definitely a bargain for a wine that doesn’t show much complexity, but has all characteristics of a well parkerised wine. An intense nose of well ripened fruit, a pleasantly smooth, filling and well balanced feeling in the mouth and a pretty long aftertaste. I’m not a big believer in food and wine pairing, but did drink this bottle with Spaghetti Carbonara.
Country: Italy
Region: Lazio
Grapes: Cesanese
Type: Red
Vintage: 2013
Producer: L’Olivella
Price range: Medium (15-30 US$)
Pascal’s Enjoyment Index: 3/5