Long-time residents of Rome know that the hilly area south of Rome, called I Castelli Romani, has been famous for its wine production for millennia. Although the reputation of its wines waned in the middle of the last century, savvy wine producers have made huge strides in recent years to deliver high-quality vintages that make the most of the incredibly fertile terroir, with its mineral-rich volcanic soils, the added value of nighttime temperature-dropping elevations and sea breezes blowing in from the coast.One of these new vintners is Stefano Imperatori, who chose this area in 2009 when he decided to leave his day job and pour his heart and soul into a brand new winery designed with a team of experts. They decided to plant some of the international varietals that produce astounding results on Italian soil, but another part of their mission was to recover ancient native vines and apply the best of modern of wine-making techniques. They're even experimenting with the extremely ancient practice of making wine in terracotta amphorae!
Take this opportunity to get out of town, without going too far, to learn about and taste some very fine wines. We'll start with an English-language tour of the winery with Nina, a long-term American expat who obtained her sommelier certification in Italy. Then we'll enjoy a guided tasting of Cantina Imperatori wines on their huge terrace (there's lots of room for physical distancing) with its view of the valley and Rome, followed by a selection of local products, including a cheese and charcuterie board, pizza bianca e rossa, panzanella (bread salad), and ciambelline al vino (biscuits). In case of rain, we'll move inside the winery's very spacious tasting room, adjacent to the terrace.
When: Saturday, October 17, 2020
Time: 11:30 starting with the winery tour (fields, methods, production facilities, cellars, etc.)
Where: Cantina Imperatori, Frascati
Transportation: By car (please carpool if you are comfortable with that). Confirmed/paid participants will be sent more detailed directions.
Cost: €35 for CCR members (€40 for non-members). Advance payment is required.
RSVP to Anna at canadarome@gmail.com by Oct. 15. Please let us know whether you will be seated in a single, couple or household "bubble."
