If you see this wine for under $12 please buy it and let us know where you found it! Yes this is that good, actually one of the most memorable summer sips we had under $15. Wouldn’t you like to ask some one if they wish to share a glass of Fontana Candida Terre dei Grifi Frascati Secco with you. When we heard it was from Rome, Corina thought back on her trip to Italy and daydreamed of Rome.
This “Golden Wine” from the region of Lazio Rome brings to mind the brilliant sun slanting low over the bustling city streets of Rome. It has a light spirited effervescent personality that pairs with lighter foods, such as a chicken salad or grilled salmon. I have to say I did not try Fontana Candida Frascati when I was in Rome, I did however get a taste in California on a warm day sitting by the pool.
Frascati is the vino of Rome and has been produced in the region for around 2 thousand years. Located in Monteporzio Catone, Rome Fontana Candida was first founded in 1958 and is known for producing white varietals, Frascati form the Lazio region of Rome, Orvieto Classico from the Umbria region and Pinot Griogio from the Veneto region. The only producer of Frascati known to use cold filtration and cold bottling does so to keep the flavors pure and the color clear. The uniquely shaped bottle designed by Fontana Candida fifty years ago is very sophisticated and stately and perfectly fits to the label.
Frascati has been called “the wine of popes and of the people” since there is a story that Frascati sprayed from Roman fountains during the elections of Pope Innocent X in 1644 and Pope Clement X in 1670. I did not see any Frascati pouring from the fountains during my stay in Rome, but the cool water was quite refreshing since summer can get very hot.
Upon first impression Rome seems like a busy metropolitan city, but when you really get to know it, there places with a relaxed atmosphere. I did get a chance to go into the countryside and was awed at how peaceful the nature was there close to the city. The area has potassium rich volcanic hills that are ideal for white grapes and the Frascati was preferred by Popes of ancient Rome, Frascati has a Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) status and is made of Malvasia di Candia, Trebbiano Toscano, Malvasia del Lazio, Grechetto, and Bombino bianco grapes.
Wine: Fontana Candida Terre die Grifi Frascati Secco DOC
Region: Lazio, Roma, Italy
Winery: Fontana Candida
Varietal: White. 50% Malvasia di Candia, 30% Trebbiano Toscano, 10% Malvasia del Lazio, 10% Greco.
Color: Light gold with a touch of green
Nose: Subtle citrus, lemon
Taste: crisp tangy lemon and stone fruit on the tongue, clean minerality, papaya and almonds.
Body: Medium
Price: $10 – $12
J&C Points: 4.4 of 5
Pairing suggestions: Chicken, salad, seafood, pasta. It would go nicely with Trattoria Mollie’s Pesce Misto (Mixed Fish) and Pasta alla Checca, or with Tandoori Chicken or Pad Thai. We had this bottle with an herb crusted salmon and citrusy asparagus.
Such beautiful photos of the wine! Wish I could be in Rome now. Makes me want to run out now and find a bottle to try with dinner tonight!
Hope you find a bottle so you can bring the feeling of Rome home!
Sounds like a great wine, not fond of the sweet ones. And what great pics too!
Thank you Evelyne, Rome was a magical place with many architectural treasures and the wine bottle had such an elegant shape that it was very photogenic. We also prefer drier wines and this one was not too sweet with the citrus and stone fruit notes.
What a great story to tell at the dinner table with this wine. It makes you feel like part of history.
It is definitely history in a bottle, sadly we don’t have wine coming out of a huge fountain today though as the legends say.
I prefer red to white, but if Fontana Candida Terre die Grifi Frascati Secco this good, then I will have to look out for it next time when I visit a wine store.
Thanks for sharing!
Angie
We really did enjoy the Fontana Candida Frascati, especially on a warm day and paired with seafood! We felt like we had a brief glimpse of Italy in the glass as the sun reflected upon the golden hue of this wine. Hope you get to try it and let us know what you thought about it.
I have tried many Italian red wines, not so many white wines so am glad to learn about the Fontana Candida Frascati.
We are happy you learned about a new wine Jared and if you do get a chance to try it, let us know how you liked it.
I love Italy and will look out for this wine!
We really enjoyed the minerality of this wine and adore Italy as well! We have had the chance to visit several cities and the coast as well and this wine made us reflect fondly back on our trips as well as anticipate another visit to Italy soon!