The Cerveteri DOC covers the hills and the coastal strip north-west of Rome, between the provinces of Rome and Viterbo, in Lazio. It takes its name from the town of Cerveteri, a few kilometres from the Tyrrhenian Sea. It was recognised by the decree of 30 October 1974 and provides for wines of all three colours, with minimum alcohol of 11%.
The whites
The Bianco is made from at least 50% Trebbiano Toscano, here called Procanico, up to 35% Malvasia and other white grapes up to 15%. It may be dry, frizzante or amabile. There is also a varietal Trebbiano, with at least 85% of the grape.
They are fresh, light-bodied whites with aromas of white flowers, apple and citrus; Malvasia adds more aromatic notes and a softness that is most noticeable in the amabile version.
Reds and rosés
The Rosso requires at least 60% Montepulciano and Sangiovese, with at least 25% of each; Merlot may reach 35% and other red grapes 15%. It may be dry or amabile. Alongside the Rosso there is the Rosato, also frizzante. No minimum ageing is required: these are wines meant to be drunk in their first years.
Montepulciano gives colour and dark fruit, Sangiovese acidity and aromas of cherry, Merlot softness. The result is a medium-bodied red, round and easy-flowing.
At the table
The whites go with fish from the coast, fried food and vegetables; the Rosato with cured meats and pizza; the Rosso with porchetta, abbacchio lamb, grilled meat and pasta with meat sauce. Further south, on the Lazio coast, lies the Nettuno DOC; inland, on the hills south-east of Rome, the Castelli Romani DOC.
