Wine
and grapes
The production of Roma DOC wine is divided into different categories, which include white, red, rosé, and sparkling wines.
The main grapes used for production are Malvasia del Lazio or Puntinata, Bellone, and Montepulciano.
Wines and Grapes Red
Montepulciano,
Likely a descendant of some Greek-origin grape varieties, it is one of the most significant grape varieties in Italy, especially in central Italy. Montepulciano produces medium-sized, fairly compact, cone-shaped clusters.
In Roma DOC Red and Roma DOC Rosé, it must account for at least 50%.
Wines and
Grapes White
Malvasia del Lazio,
Part of the large Malvasia family, it is also called Malvasia Puntinata here due to the small brown spots on its skin. It has large, pyramid-shaped clusters, winged, with medium-sized spherical berries.
In Roma DOC White wines, at least 50% must be Malvasia Puntinata, while in Roma DOC Malvasia Puntinata, at least 85% is required.
Bellone,
Cultivated since ancient times, mainly in the vineyards around the capital, it is known by numerous synonyms, including Cacchione and Arciprete, depending on the area where it is found. The Bellone grape variety produces medium to large clusters with a cylindrical-conical shape, occasionally winged, and with a tight density.
In Roma DOC White wines, it can contribute up to 50%, with the remainder being Malvasia Puntinata. In Roma DOC Bellone, however, it must account for at least 85%.
The remaining permitted grape varieties, both white and red, are primarily typical Lazio varieties or international varieties that have been present in the region for decades. Examples include: Trebbiano in its variants, Greco, and Bombino for the whites; Cesanese in its variants, Sangiovese, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon for the reds.