Nettuno and Anzio look out over the Tyrrhenian Sea south of Rome, on the coast of Lazio facing towards Circeo. Here vines grow on sandy soils a short walk from the sea, with constant breezes and a mild climate. The Nettuno appellation, recognised in 2003, covers the vineyard areas of the two municipalities, in the province of Rome. It is one of the region's smallest DOCs: about 12 hectares, with an output of 550 hectolitres.
Cacchione
The grape that gives the area its identity is Bellone, which on the Nettuno coast is called Cacchione. It is an old white grape of Lazio, productive and hardy, which on sandy soils gives savoury, fragrant wines. Nettuno Bellone, or Cacchione, requires at least 85% of the grape. Nettuno Bianco uses 30 to 70% of it, together with Tuscan Trebbiano, 30 to 50%. Both may also be frizzante.
Reds and rosés
The Rosso combines Merlot, 30 to 70%, and Sangiovese, 30 to 50%; it also comes as a Novello. The Rosato requires at least 40% Sangiovese and 40% Trebbiano, and may be frizzante. Minimum alcohol is 11% and the regulations set no minimum ageing: these are wines to drink young, within a year or two of the harvest.
Nettuno Bellone is straw yellow, with aromas of white flowers, citrus and yellow fruit, a briny note and good freshness. The Rosso is soft and fruity, the Rosato fresh and light.
The wine of the coast
These wines were made for the seafood cooking of the coast: fried small fish, marinated anchovies, spaghetti with wedge clams, fish soup, Roman-style artichokes. For anyone who knows Lazio wine mainly through the Castelli Romani or Cesanese del Piglio, Nettuno shows the region's maritime face.
