Blog: Tenuta Le Quinte | Lazio

Our most recent wine trip was to Montecompatri, on the eastern slopes of volcanic mountains. This zone is better known as Castelli Romani and the surrounding area has lived from viticulture for generations - as evidenced by countless quotes in classical Latin. For some time now, good producers with an increasing reputation have been shaping the image of this area. Modern wines of excellent quality, produced from grapes of historical vineyards. Of course, the area is mainly characterized by white wine, including such resounding names as Malvasia bianco, Greco, Bellone, Bonvino and Trebbiano. But red varieties have also found their home through innovative methods on the volcanic soils, including the autochthonous Cesanese as well as Merlot, Montepulciano and also Syrah.

Among the most dynamic farms in the area is certainly Tenuta le Quinte, which has specialized in quality wines since the late 80s. Through the consistent renewal of the vineyards and the further development of winemaking, the owner family Papi has been able to achieve its current status. The family business originally dates back to 1830, but bottling of in-house bottled wines did not begin until 1989. The vineyards are located on land of volcanic origin and require high commitment to bring the native grape varieties to their full potential. The flagship of Tenuta le Quinte - naturally a white wine - is made from the rediscovered Malvasia del Lazio grape variety. Malvasia, Greco, Bellone, Bonvino, Trebbiano, Cesanese and Montepulciano are also grown. It is mainly thanks to the extreme care of the Papi family that Tenuta le Quinte has been able to make a leap in quality without breaking with the old winemaking traditions of the area.

The winery is located in the middle of an area with a long winemaking tradition, which became a reference point of white wine from Lazio already under the first popes. Among the rolling hills, in the green heart of the Castelli Romani, lie the vineyards of Tenuta le Quinte. Vineyards of great value, some of them ancient, such as Malvasia del Lazio, Greco, Bellone, Bonvino, Trebbiano, Cesanese and Montepulciano, form a carpet of vines that, cultivated with passion, produce excellent IGT and DOC wines, typical of the region. They are all quality wines, vinified under modern aspects - but without ignoring the fundamental values of the region.

Inspired by antique amphorae, the bottles and their six-piece labels are elegantly appointed and convey an impression of tradition and modernity. This skilful union of past and future is reflected in all the production steps of Tenuta le Quinte and has brought the winery growing appreciation in the domestic as well as European market.

The main aspect of production is in the white wines: First and foremost, the single-varietal Malvasia del Lazio flagship 'Orchidea'. But also the entry-level wine 'Trecciole' deserves attention. As well as the pure Grechetto 'Canestraro' and the creative white wine cuvee 'Virtu Romane'. Among the reds, the single-varietal Syrah 'Nasyr' leads the field, followed by the dry Cesanese 'Primula Lucis', also single-varietal. The red wine cuvee 'Rasa di Marmorata' is an imaginative blend of Cesanese, Montepulciano and Merlot. - Gerardo [TS06/22]