Bellone IGT Lazio

Background
A variety cited by Pliny the Elder and present in the Latium region since Roman times.Today the grape is cultivated from the Roman to the Lepini hills and in the hinterland of the coastal town of Anzio, where the warm sandy soils tempered by a relentless sea breeze provide the ideal microclimate.

Grape Varieties and Vinification Technique

Vinification takes place in two stages: first, maceration on the skins to encourage extraction of the aromas bestowed by the territory then, after soft pressing, spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts for around 10-12 days at 18-20°C.The Bellone grape is vigorous and resistant to drought – a guarantee for wine quality and balance – while its plump, golden yellow, thick skinned grapes hang in elongated, cone-shaped bunches. The persistent sea breeze contributes to the over-ripening of the grapes while a high concentration of both sugar and acidity lead to early maturation and the highlighting of the wine’s pronounced mineral notes. The grapes are harvested at the end of September.