Dear Wine Lovers,

We would like to express my sincere gratitude for the time you will dedicate to reading the Falling Wine newsletter for the month of July. We truly appreciate your continued support and enthusiasm for our wines and for the Lazio Region.

In this month’s edition, we are excited to delve into the unique climatic and viticultural characteristics of the Agropontino Geographical Area, with a special focus on the charming city of Cori. We will take you on a journey to discover the beauty and fertility of this area, which has been instrumental in producing exceptional wines.

Furthermore, we are thrilled to introduce you to a delightful organic farm called Molino ‘7Cento. This remarkable establishment not only produces outstanding wines but also cultivates olive oil, saffron, and various other typical products. We believe that their dedication to organic farming and sustainable practices will resonate with your passion for quality and authenticity.

To celebrate this month’s theme, we have a special surprise for you. We cordially invite you to join us at an exclusive harvest festival at Molino ‘7Cento. This grand event will provide a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the splendor of these lands and experience firsthand the exceptional quality of the wines produced by this firm and by Tenuta San Leo Firm (main topic of the June falling in wine’s edition).

We hope that you will be able to join us at this extraordinary gathering, where wine enthusiasts like yourself will come together to celebrate the art of winemaking and tasting. Please note that attendance is limited, so we kindly ask you to RSVP at your earliest convenience to secure your spot. It will be our pleasure to guest you for two or three nights.

Once again, thank you for your unwavering support and dedication to Falling Wine. We hope that the July edition of our newsletter will captivate your senses and deepen your appreciation for the remarkable wines of the Pontine Lake region.

Cheers,

Giovanna Cunetta

General manager of Tenuta San Leo and Molino ‘7Cento

Agropontino

The Agropontino Area, located in central Italy, is known for its distinctive climatic and geographical features, as well as its rich tradition in viticulture. This area, characterized by its fertile plains and proximity to the Tyrrhenian Sea, has played a significant role in the production of high-quality wines for centuries.

Geographically, the Agropontino is situated in the Lazio region, encompassing parts of the provinces of Latina and Rome. It is nestled between the Apennine Mountains to the east and the Tyrrhenian Sea to the west, creating a unique microclimate that is ideal for grape cultivation. The sea breeze that flows through the region helps to moderate the temperature, providing cool nights and warm days, which is essential for the optimal ripening of grapes.

The fertile soil of the Agro Pontino, composed of volcanic ash and clay, further contributes to the region’s viticultural success. This combination of factors creates a terroir that imparts distinct characteristics to the wines produced here.

The viticultural tradition of the Agropontino dates back to ancient times. The Etruscans, an ancient civilization that inhabited the region, recognized its potential for grape cultivation and established vineyards. Later, during the Roman Empire, vineyards flourished, and wine production became a significant economic activity.

However, the history of viticulture in the Agropontino faced challenges in the 20th century. The area was subject to a massive land reclamation project initiated by Mussolini’s government in the 1930s. Marshlands were drained, and the landscape was transformed into agricultural land. This project significantly impacted the region’s vineyards, and many were lost.

Despite these setbacks, the Agropontino viticultural tradition persevered. In recent decades, there has been a resurgence of winemaking in the region, with a renewed focus on quality and sustainability. Local winemakers have embraced modern techniques while also honoring the ancient winemaking practices that have been passed down through generations.

Today, the Agropontino is home to a diverse range of grape varieties, both indigenous and international. White grape varieties such as Malvasia del Lazio, Trebbiano and Bellone thrive in the region, producing crisp and aromatic wines. Red grape varieties like Cesanese, Montepulciano and Nero Buono lend themselves to the production of full-bodied and structured wines.

The wines of the Agropontino tell the story of this unique region, reflecting its terroir, climate, and the passion of its winemakers. From the ancient vineyards of the Etruscans to the modern revival of winemaking, this area continues to produce wines that captivate the senses and showcase the beauty and diversity of the Agropontino.

In conclusion, the Agropontino region stands as a testament to the resilience and dedication of its winemakers. Its climatic and geographical characteristics, combined with a rich viticultural history, have shaped it into a captivating wine region that produces wines of exceptional quality and character.

Cori

Cori is one of the main picturesque town in the Agropontino area, approximately 60 kilometers southeast of Rome. Positioned on the slopes of the Monti Lepini mountains, Cori offers stunning vistas of the surrounding landscape. With a rich history dating back to ancient Roman times, the town is a treasure trove of archaeological wonders. Cori is also renowned for its indigenous grape varieties such as Bello and Nero Buono, as well as its cultivation of international grapes like Chardonnay or Merlot. Additionally, the production of the exquisite Itrana olive oil, highly esteemed and recognized globally, adds to Cori’s reputation as a culinary destination.

Molino ‘7Cento

Molino ‘7cento, a new and expansive organic farm spanning approximately 32 hectares, is a remarkable agricultural enterprise located in the city of Cori. This diverse farm produces a wide range of crops including high quality wine, extraordinary extravergin olive oil, Itrana olives, saffron, and various other vegetables. Within the farm, there is also a luxurious resort that caters to wine lovers from around the world, offering five-star services. Additionally, guests can relax amidst the vineyards in a wellness area and indulge in the region’s specialties at the on-site restaurant, which pairs local cuisine with wine tastings. Molino 7cento is deeply committed to minimizing its environmental impact, implementing strict policies on recycling and renewable energy. The farm has successfully reduced its ecological footprint over time. Notably, the farm produces an award-winning olive oil, recognized both locally and nationally, receiving accolades such as the Sol d’oro award and being a finalist for the prestigious Magnifico award. Furthermore, Molino ‘7cento produces exceptional saffron, meticulously hand-processed and dried within 24 hours of harvesting. Lastly, the farm excels in crafting exceptional wines that are admired and exported worldwide. These include indigenous varieties like Sette, a 100% Bellone white wine, and Cento, a rich and structured red made from Nero Buono grapes. The farm also produces a highly regarded and distinct Chardonnay, appreciated by both local and international wine enthusiasts. Finally, their latest creation, a Rosè Pinot Grigio, is soon to be released, promising to captivate wine lovers in the coming months.

Festa della vendemmia – Book Now

The Festa della vendemmia (Grape Harvest Festival) will take place at Molino 7cento on Sunday, September 8th. This day is dedicated to all wine lovers and anyone who wants to celebrate the new vintage with Molino ‘7Cento and Tenuta San Leo ‘s staff. From noon until evening, there will be wine tastings, vineyard and winery tours, music, performances, and much more. We invite you to join us for this special event. As spots are limited, we recommend responding promptly by making your reservation writing an email at giovanna.cunetta@molino7cento.it.

Please notice that we will be more than honored to offer you a two or three night stay at the Molino ‘7cento resort so that you can enjoy the event.

Don’t miss the opportunity to personally discover the wonders of the enchanting Lazio region and the Agro Pontino.