La Visciola Donna Rosa Passerina de Frusinate 2024

La Visciola was founded in Piglio in 2005 by Piero Macciocca and Rosa Alessandri, with their daughter Cecilia now involved in the family estate. The domaine focuses on traditional varieties of southern Lazio, particularly Cesanese, and has farmed its vineyards biodynamically since 2019, when it gained certification. Donna Rosa comes from old Passerina vines planted among the estate’s Cesanese vineyards on the hills around Piglio, where the combination of altitude, Mediterranean climate and red clay soils provides freshness and character.

Donna Rosa is 100% Passerina del Frusinate and is made with a deliberately hands-off approach. Around 80% of the grapes are pressed directly, while the remaining 20% undergoes a short skin maceration through fermentation before the two portions are combined. Fermentation is spontaneous with native yeasts, followed by extended ageing in concrete tanks before bottling and further maturation in bottle. The result is a distinctive white with citrus, white peach, wild herbs and floral notes, backed by a gently textured palate, bright acidity and a pronounced mineral, savoury finish. Its combination of freshness and texture makes it particularly good with grilled fish, shellfish, pasta with herbs, roast poultry and fresh cheeses.