Satrico Lazio Bianco 2022, Casale del Giglio

This wine takes its name from the ancient pre-Roman city of Satricum. Traces of the earliest huts, which formed a village around a central place of worship on high ground near the river Astura, date from the IX century BCE. This hillside settlement, later to become the acropolis of the city, was the site of a temple dedicated to the goddess Mater Matuta. Remains of her temple can still be seen today close to Casale del Giglio’s vineyards in the hamlet of Le Ferriere, near the town of Latina.

A bright and refreshing white wine with a pale straw-yellow hue and vibrant aromas of citrus, green apple, white peach, and delicate floral notes. On the palate, it’s crisp and lively, offering flavors of lemon zest, grapefruit, and a hint of tropical fruit, balanced by a touch of herbaceous freshness and soft minerality. The finish is long and lingering, with a subtle salinity that makes it a perfect match for seafood, light pastas, and fresh Mediterranean fare. Effortlessly charming and easy to drink, Satrico captures the essence of a sunny Italian afternoon by the sea, inviting you to slow down and savor every sip.

About the Winery

In the heart of Lazio, Italy, nestled near the ancient city of Satricum, lies Casale del Giglio—a winery that has transformed the region's viticulture through innovation and dedication. Founded in 1967 by Dr. Berardino Santarelli, a native of Amatrice, the estate is situated in Le Ferriere, in the province of Latina, approximately 50 kilometers south of Rome. At that time, the Agro Pontino valley was largely uncharted territory in terms of viticulture, presenting a unique opportunity for exploration and development.

In 1985, driven by a vision to unlock the region's potential, Berardino's son, Antonio Santarelli, initiated an ambitious research project. Collaborating with esteemed ampelographers and university researchers, they planted nearly 60 different experimental grape varieties on their land. This scientific endeavor, unprecedented in its scope, was led by the young enologist Paolo Tiefenthaler from Trentino. Their efforts bore fruit with significant successes in cultivating red varieties like Syrah and Petit Verdot, as well as whites such as Sauvignon, Viognier, and Petit Manseng. These varieties have since been crafted into both monovarietal wines and blends, offering exceptional quality and value.

Casale del Giglio's philosophy emphasizes the importance of exploring and harnessing the potential of lesser-known territories. They believe that the future of Italian viticulture lies not only in consolidating the image of traditional wine-producing zones but also in achieving high-quality productions with excellent value in areas previously unexplored.

The estate's flagship wine, Mater Matuta, exemplifies this innovative spirit. A rich, deep ruby-red wine, it displays outstanding personality with aromas of coffee beans, violets, ripe black cherry, coriander, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Silky and seductive, yet perfectly supported by fine tannins, Mater Matuta delivers a long, lush finish.

Through their pioneering research and commitment to excellence, Casale del Giglio has not only revitalized the Agro Pontino valley but has also made a significant mark on the broader landscape of Italian winemaking. Their journey from uncharted territory to producing world-class wines stands as a testament to the power of vision and perseverance in the world of viticulture.