Winemaker Notes
50% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc from a massal selection of the prince’s original clonal material. It was said the prince tore up his vines when he retired in 1995, but four rows of Cabernet and four rows of Merlot were left behind, and the new plantings that Appia Antica sources come from these original plantings that date to the 1940s. The grapes are destemmed and fermented in temperature controlled concrete tanks. The wine spends 6 months in concrete and then 10 months in bottle before release.
One of the world’s most classic and popular styles of red wine, Bordeaux-inspired blends have spread from their homeland in France to nearly every corner of the New World. Typically based on either Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot and supported by Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, the best of these are densely hued, fragrant, full of fruit and boast a structure that begs for cellar time. Somm Secret—Blends from Bordeaux are generally earthier compared to those from the New World, which tend to be fruit-dominant.
Known as the ancient homeland of the Latins, today there is a vigorus wine industry beyond the city limits of modern, bustling Rome. The Cesanese grape, full of red berry, spice and rose, is responsible for Lazio’s only true local reds. Lazio’s most famous white wine, called Frascati, is based on the local Malvasia del Lazio and Trebbiano Toscana. A sweet version, called Cannellino di Frascati, is also made.