2022 Marco Tomei Abbuoto Lazio IGT

Lazio is the region surrounding Rome and, as does the rest of Italy, has a long history of winemaking, though the wines remain relatively obscure. Lazio is actually a fascinating land with limestone and volcanic soils.

Marco Tomei is the only producer in Sezze making wines on a "larger " scale- which in this case means 20,000 bottles and Marco has no intention of producing beyond 30,000. Sezze was located along the Appian Way and just like the Falerno zone in Campania where there is evidence of the first Roman cru system, esteemed wines were produced here over 2000 years ago and traveled across the Roman Empire. In fact, amphora have been discovered in Pompeii with wine from Sezze in them called cécubo.

Along with help and research by the Carpineti family (one of the first biodynamic wineries in Lazio), Marco has dedicated his second life to propagating rare and native Lazio varities, like this Abbuoto. Currently, they are looking into Lecinaro, another native red grape in the area.

Marco’s technical and analytical approach do not cloud his judgment when it comes to growing practices. He might be a numbers guy, but he believes in the biodynamic way and growing his vineyards according to mother nature’s cycles. What do you get when you combine the two? A totally unique, well made wine that actually makes it to  the export market.

Abbuoto is acknowledged as  an ancient variety native to this area, near the confines of the region of Campania. There are not many examples of this grape made as a single varietal wine, and Marco’s is certainly the only one available in the United States. A rich wine, moderate tannin, acid, fruit depth- all markers for an age worthy wine. Try with burgers, cheeses, bbq. Or maybe sip on its own and revel in just how radical Marco and his wines are.