Sunshine in a Glass: A Frascati Wine Tasting in Los Angeles at Eataly
At Eataly Los Angeles, the “Experience Frascati” masterclass gathered wine lovers for a golden morning led by Riccardo Ricci Curbastro and Luca Grippo—two ambassadors of Italy’s ancient volcanic terroir.
Over six wines, we explored the elegance of Rome’s countryside bottled in liquid light. This wasn’t just a tasting; it was a holiday for the palate.
In this Frascati wine tasting for Los Angeles, each glass revealed a whisper of history, a swirl of citrus and peach, and the gentle hum of volcanic soil.
Here’s the lineup and what to pair with each sip:
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Flo’ (Cantina Imperatori, 2024) – Almonds, white peach, and a “sensation of subtle sweetness.” Ideal with fried seafood or vegetable tempura.
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De Notari – Corinzio (Cantine San Marco, 2024) – Crisp apple and jasmine notes, perfect for risotto or grilled fish.
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Heredio (Casale Vallechiesa, 2024) – Elegant citrus, yellow peach, and aromatic herbs; wonderful with fish appetizers.
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Villafranca (Cantina Villafranca, 2024) – “Flowery and fruity, persistent and marked.” Think Roman-style chicken or fresh seafood.
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Vigneto Filonardi (Villa Simone, 2023) – Deep, structured, with hints of ripe fruit and spice. Excellent with cheeses and smoked fish.
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Vigna Casal Montani (Evangelisti, 2022) – Bold, amphora-aged, with “intense taste with spicy notes.” Best alongside rich pasta or risotto.
The Soul of Frascati: Italy’s “Golden Wine”
Frascati has been Rome’s favorite white wine since ancient times—so beloved it was once called vino d’oro, the “golden wine.” Its heart lies just southeast of the Eternal City, where volcanic soils give grapes their signature minerality.
Each of these producers represents a modern rebirth of Frascati: organic vineyards, sustainable farming, and an emphasis on terroir expression. In a world chasing trends, this tasting reminded us that authenticity never goes out of style.
Los Angeles Meets Lazio
Under the high ceilings of Eataly Los Angeles, glasses clinked as Angelenos compared notes on aroma and acidity. The class—part education, part escape—proved how seamlessly Frascati pairs with the city’s coastal dining culture.
Imagine sipping Heredio with crudo at a Santa Monica rooftop or pouring Flo’ with tempura at your favorite sushi bar.
From Peach to Persistence: A Flavor Journey
Across six wines, certain threads stitched the experience together: sun-soaked fruit, floral lift, and a salty edge born of volcanic soil. The lighter Flo’ and Corinzio shimmered with freshness, while Vigneto Filonardi and Casal Montani deepened into spiced, contemplative finishes.
For more on Lazio’s indigenous grapes, see the Consorzio Tutela Denominazioni Frascati.
What to Eat with Frascati Wines
Frascati’s charm is its versatility—it’s the white that loves to flirt with food. At home, think coastal Italian simplicity:
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Seafood: Grilled prawns, fried calamari, or oysters.
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Vegetables: Artichokes alla Romana, zucchini flowers, or fresh salads.
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Pasta: Cacio e pepe or seafood linguine.
Frascati’s bright acidity and almond-tinged minerality refresh the palate, making it a natural partner for everything from a light aperitivo spread to a multi-course meal.
Mini FAQ: Frascati Wine Tasting
Q1: What is Frascati wine?
Frascati is a white wine from the Lazio region near Rome, often made from Malvasia and Trebbiano grapes. It’s known for freshness, minerality, and subtle fruit.
Q2: Is Frascati good with seafood?
Absolutely. Its crisp acidity and notes of citrus, peach, and almond make it perfect with fish, shellfish, and fried dishes.
A Toast to the Future
As the afternoon wound down, Ricci Curbastro and Grippo left us with a final message: Frascati isn’t just wine—it’s a bridge between past and present, Rome and Los Angeles, vineyard and table.
Next time you’re planning a dinner under California lights, skip the Chardonnay. Reach for a Frascati. It’s Italy’s sunshine—by the glass.
