Lazio boasts a centuries-old food and wine culture and is one of Italy’s most fascinating regions for wine lovers. Its varied terrain and favourable climate have given rise to a winemaking tradition that ranges from fresh, aromatic white wines to full-bodied, well-structured reds. But do you know which are the best wines from Lazio? Here are the most iconic wines from each province.
Est! Est!! Est!!! di Montefiascone
Est! Est!! Est!!! di Montefiascone is one of Lazio’s most famous white wines, renowned for its unmistakable flavour. It is produced in the hills surrounding Lake Bolsena, in the province of Viterbo. The origins of this wine date back to the 12th century, when a German prelate travelling to Rome sent his servant ahead to seek out the best wines along the route.
The servant would mark the inns serving good wine with the word “Est” (Latin for “It is”), but upon tasting the wine in Montefiascone, he was so impressed that he wrote “Est! Est!! Est!!!”, giving the wine its distinctive name. Even today, the local wine is excellent — and Montefiascone itself offers plenty to see and do.
Est! Est!! Est!!! is known for its bright straw-yellow colour and aromatic bouquet with notes of white flowers and fresh fruit. It pairs perfectly with fish dishes, light starters and soft cheeses, and is also ideal as an aperitif.
Castelli Romani DOC
The Castelli Romani wine region boasts its own DOC designation, covering two white wines, three rosés, and four reds. Located south-east of Rome, it stretches across a series of hilltop towns such as Frascati, Marino and Albano Laziale, as well as several coastal municipalities in the provinces of Rome and Latina.
The combination of volcanic soils and a mild climate gives these wines a distinctive minerality and freshness. Depending on the variety, they pair beautifully with fish dishes, white meats and fresh cheeses, but also complement richer recipes and hearty pasta dishes.
Circeo DOC
Circeo DOC is another gem among Lazio’s wines, produced in the stunning area of the Circeo promontory, specifically across the towns of Latina, Sabaudia, San Felice Circeo and Terracina. This region benefits from a unique microclimate, shaped by the proximity of the sea and the surrounding hills.
Circeo DOC wines can be white, red or rosé. The whites are typically made from Trebbiano and Malvasia grapes, offering a fresh, aromatic flavour with hints of citrus and floral notes. The reds are mainly produced from Sangiovese, Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. Circeo wines pair wonderfully with seafood dishes, grilled meats and mature cheeses.
Colli della Sabina DOC
Colli della Sabina DOC is produced across the provinces of Rieti and Rome, in the historic area known as the Sabina. This designation includes both white and red wines, each with its own distinctive character. The whites are generally made from Trebbiano and Malvasia grapes, offering a fresh and delicate profile.
The reds, on the other hand, are often produced from Sangiovese and Montepulciano grapes, resulting in a deep ruby colour with aromas of red berries and spices. Colli della Sabina wines pair beautifully with traditional regional dishes such as pasta alla carbonara or abbacchio alla scottadito, as well as a wide range of cheeses from Lazio.
Cesanese del Piglio DOCG
Cesanese del Piglio is one of Lazio’s three DOCG wines, alongside Cannellino di Frascati DOCG and Frascati Superiore DOCG. Produced mainly in the province of Frosinone, the rolling hills of Piglio provide the perfect environment for cultivating Cesanese grapes, thanks to a temperate climate and limestone-rich soils.
Considered one of Lazio’s finest red wines, Cesanese del Piglio is distinguished by its deep ruby-red colour with violet highlights. It offers a complex bouquet of wild berries, ripe cherries and spicy notes. On the palate, it is full-bodied and velvety, with smooth tannins and a lingering finish. Cesanese del Piglio DOCG pairs perfectly with robust dishes such as roast meats, game and mature cheeses.
Wine Routes in Lazio
Lazio is home to a number of food and wine trails that take visitors on a journey through history, culture and authentic flavours. Among the most renowned is the Strada del Vino dei Castelli Romani, which winds through Frascati, Marino and Grottaferrata — towns celebrated for their fresh, aromatic white wines.
In Tuscia, the Strada dei Vini della Teverina showcases the character of Grechetto and Aleatico wines, while the Strada del Vino della Provincia di Latina — spanning the Cori and Latina areas — invites you to discover local varieties such as Nero Buono.
Beyond its rich cultural and gastronomic heritage, Lazio offers an excellent quality of life, with good services and peaceful towns. Its proximity to Rome also ensures a wealth of work and educational opportunities.
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