2024 Federici Bellone Lazio IGT

• 99 Point White, One of the "Best Italian Wines" of the Year!
• Historic, Native White Grape, aka "Grape as Good as Bread"
• BHW Import: We Have the Lowest Price Anywhere!
• Free Shipping on 12 or More Bottles

About the Wine

Decanter says, "Bellone is making quite a reputation for itself with its single-varietal wines." This historic, yet little-known indigenous grape, -also known as "uva fantastica", or “grape as good as bread" by Roman historian Pliny the Elder-, delivers "bright, fruity characteristics of stone fruit, melon, and citrus fruits. Flavors of herbs, tropical fruits, and toast.”

Bellone is one of the rare European varieties that is not cultivated using American rootstock. The reason for this is that this grape thrived in a Roman coastal town with sandy soil, which prevented the roots from being attacked by phylloxera, therefore, Bellone continues to grow on the same roots from ancient times.

Rome isn’t just a city—it’s a feeling. A place that has ruled, inspired, and captured the hearts of the world for over 2,000 years. The Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Sistine Chapel… every corner of Rome tells a story. And now, you can taste that very spirit. This wine is a liquid love letter to the Eternal City.

As Wine Spectator highlights, “During 2018’s harvest, I travelled through the southern half of Lazio on my way from Rome to Naples and was struck not only by its history-rich towns and some gorgeous pastoral landscapes, but also by lesser-known producers striving to make quality wines.” Federici is one of those innovators.

From Zagarolo, an ancient village perched on the tuff hills of the Prenestini Mountains, comes a wine that embodies the essence of Rome’s timeless allure. Here, where history and nature intertwine, the Federici family crafts wines that speak to the heart of Lazio, bringing centuries of tradition into every bottle.

Founded in 1960 by Antonio Federici, the winery was born out of a dream to produce wines that offered the pure, delicious flavors Italians longed for after World War II. In 2001, the Federici family took a bold step: planting their own vineyards. This is when Federici wines began to truly flourish, evolving from a story of passion into one of sustainability and terroir-driven excellence.

Like Rome, Federici Winery is a blend of resilience and tradition. The volcanic soils of the region give birth to native Lazio grapes like Trebbiano, Malvasia del Lazio, and Malvasia Puntinata, alongside international varieties such as Merlot, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Federici wines come from vineyards that have been nurtured through four generations—grapes grown on the very land walked by Antonio and his sons. With an eye on the future, they continue to innovate while honoring the history that has shaped them. These wines, just like Rome itself, are always evolving, yet eternally rooted in a rich legacy.

This wine is your invitation to experience the spirit of Rome. From the heart of Lazio, a land rich in history and culture, to the glass before you—taste a piece of Italy that never fades, a city that has shaped the world for millennia.

Tasting Notes

100% Bellone. Pale straw yellow. With beautiful and refreshing notes of tropical fruit and white flowers. Savory, persistent, and soft with a nice acidity that gives freshness to the wine. This stunning white wine pairs lovely with seafood, entrees, a nice summer evening, the beach, and friends.

Reviews

~99 Luca Maroni, I Migliori Vini Italiani, Italy's Best Wines Guide 2022

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