Story: Cantina Sant' Andrea | Lazio
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Cantina Sant' Andrea: tradition and innovation in Lazio
The history of Cantina Sant' Andrea began in 1968, when the first grapes were harvested and processed in the vineyards. At that time, the first customers still received bottles of wine with hand-written labels, and the Pandolfo family laid the foundations for a long tradition in viticulture. Step by step, the business was expanded and wine barrels moved into the winery, while the family business continuously invested in modernizing wine production. Two guiding principles characterize the work of the winery: on the one hand, renewal and experimentation with international grape varieties, and on the other, a return to tradition through the revival of almost forgotten, indigenous grape varieties.

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The region and its special features
The winery is located near Terracina, a town south of Rome known for its barren hills. Although these hills are not characterized by a long wine-growing tradition, they offer an exceptional microclimate that is ideal for growing wines with unique characteristics. While mainly international grape varieties such as Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon thrive in the surrounding area, Cantina Sant' Andrea also specializes in cultivating old grape varieties such as Cesanese, Trebbiano and Moscato di Terracina. These varieties were already prized by the Romans and are experiencing a new heyday here.

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Technological innovation and sustainable production
The Pandolfo family winery was completely renovated within a decade to meet the latest technological standards. Gentle wine presses, which gently extract the must, and temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks are used to optimally promote the quality of the wines. A photovoltaic system has also been installed to make the winery energy self-sufficient and minimize its environmental impact. The Pandolfo family's sustainable approach aims to make the most of the natural conditions of the vineyard without unnecessarily harming the environment.

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The Moscato di Terracina - Oppidum: A unique wine
Particularly noteworthy is the Moscato di Terracina - Oppidum, a wine that reflects the special quality of the Sant' Andrea terroir. Ancient muscat vines grow on the barren hills around Terracina, providing wine lovers with a unique pleasure. The Moscato di Terracina - Oppidum is characterized by a strong, straw-yellow color with golden reflections and captivates with an intense bouquet of exotic fruits, apricots and dried rose petals. This dry Muscat is a rarity, as Moscato wines are traditionally sweet. However, the Oppidum is a dry, full-bodied wine with a balanced acidity and a lingering finish that makes it an exceptional representative of its kind. Its intense fruitiness and complex aromatic structure make it a true discovery for discerning wine connoisseurs.

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Variety and exclusivity: other wines from Cantina Sant' Andrea
In addition to the remarkable Moscato di Terracina - Oppidum, Cantina Sant' Andrea also produces a high-quality spumante from the same local grape. This sparkling wine underlines the versatility of the winery and shows that the Pandolfos not only demonstrate their craftsmanship in the production of still wines, but also in the production of sparkling wines. The wines from Sant' Andrea represent a harmonious combination of tradition, innovation and sustainability. They are an expression of the unique conditions of Lazio and the passion with which the Pandolfo family produces its wines. - Gerardo [TS05/25]

"Pandolfo have to contend with two different soil types. The hinterland of the coast consists of sandy soil in which Malvasia and Trebbiano, grown on pergolas, give excellent results. In the plain of Campo Soriano - incidentally a fine example of revived viticulture - a clayey subsoil prevails. For the red wine sector, Sant' Andrea is planning to replant the old vineyards, although at present Moscato di Terracina continues to give the most exciting results." - Slow Wine

"The Pandolfo family has been around the world a lot, as far as Tunisia it has taken the native Sicilians. Finally, however, they have landed, now decades ago, in Terracina, where they have settled in splendidly. They made a name for themselves on the local wine scene by enhancing the value of the native Moscato grape, which, once used only as a table grape, can now lay claim to its own DOC. Sant'Andrea declines Moscato di Terracina in five different subspecies, but also has other autochthonous vines in its roster." - Gambero Rosso