Bring a taste of Rome to your holiday celebrations with wines beloved by Romans. Casale del Giglio, a leader in modern Roman wine culture, offers the perfect way to elevate your festivities with Lazio’s finest. The Cesanese is now available at the LCBO, while the Bellone can be found in top GTA restaurants and is available for private order through the Profile Wine Group. These wines capture Italy’s winemaking heritage, adding elegance and tradition to your holiday table.

Italy is a paradise for wine lovers, especially during the festive season, when sharing a bottle becomes part of the celebration. Italian wines offer unparalleled diversity, with over 350 native grape varieties that bring unique flavours and character to the table. From beloved classics like Chianti and Barolo to regional gems like Bellone and Cesanese, Italian wines bring warmth, complexity, and depth to any holiday occasion.

Casale del Giglio: Reviving Lazio’s Wine Heritage

Casale del Giglio is more than just a winery—it’s a family legacy with roots tracing back to the ancient traditions of Rome. Located in the Agro Pontino Valley, about 50 kilometres from Rome, the winery was founded by Dino Santarelli in the 1960s and is now passionately led by his son, Antonio. In the 1980s, the Santarelli family transformed this underexplored region into a centre of quality winemaking, pioneering new techniques and collaborating with top experts to elevate Lazio’s unique terroir.

The winery’s commitment to innovation and tradition shines through in every bottle. Casale del Giglio has developed a reputation for both international varieties like Syrah and Petit Verdot and for resurrecting native Italian grapes such as Bellone and Cesanese. By reviving these lesser-known varietals, Casale del Giglio has carved a niche that speaks to Italy’s rich wine culture and Lazio’s distinct terroir, making them an ideal choice for holiday gatherings.

Bellone: Lazio’s Bright White for Celebrations

For a unique Italian white that adds a twist to your holiday celebrations, Bellone is a must-try. This rare white grape, grown almost exclusively in Lazio, was traditionally used in blends but now shines brilliantly on its own. When cultivated on the sandy coastal soils near Anzio, Bellone develops into a lush, high-quality wine with a deep yellow hue and golden flecks.

Casale del Giglio’s Bellone showcases aromas of ripe tropical fruits like mango and papaya, evoking the warmth of the Italian sun. The palate is rich and ample, with floral and spicy notes that unfold in each sip. Its vibrant acidity makes it suited for aging, while its zesty finish and lively minerality add brightness to festive tables. Bellone pairs beautifully with seafood, pasta, risotto, and fresh salads, lending a fresh and elegant touch to holiday meals.

Cesanese: A Rustic Red for Winter Feasts

If you’re looking for a bold red to complement hearty winter dishes, Cesanese from Lazio offers a taste of Italy’s rustic soul. This indigenous red grape was favoured in the Apennine hills long before Rome expanded its influence, and it remains one of Italy’s most authentic native varieties, offering a unique expression of Lazio’s terroir.

Known for its intensity, Cesanese is low-yielding and late-ripening, traits that contribute to its remarkable depth and complexity. Once on the brink of extinction, Cesanese has enjoyed a resurgence in recent years, with Casale del Giglio at the forefront of this revival. Their Cesanese is a deep ruby red, offering enticing aromas of marasca cherry and spicy hints of white and black pepper, along with subtle floral notes of violet. The palate is soft yet vibrant, with structured tannins and balanced acidity that lend it the capacity to age gracefully. Cesanese pairs seamlessly with braised meats, roasted vegetables, and classic Roman-inspired pasta dishes, adding richness and depth to holiday feasts.

The Perfect Italian Touch for Holiday Gatherings

Casale del Giglio’s Bellone and Cesanese bring a taste of Lazio’s unique viticultural heritage to the holiday season. Both wines are now available in Ontario, making it easier than ever to experience an authentic Italian holiday spirit without leaving home—and at an accessible price point. Whether you’re hosting a large family feast or an intimate gathering, these wines offer a delightful blend of warmth, history, and Italian charm that elevates any occasion.

This holiday season, let Casale del Giglio fill your glass and take you on a sensory journey to the heart of Rome. With each sip, you’ll taste the family legacy, Lazio’s history, and the artistry behind these wines that make them so special. So, gather around the table, raise a glass, and say “Saluti” as you enjoy the holidays, Roman-style.