2020 Onde De Sanctis Lazio

Azienda Agricola De Sanctis is a historic family estate near Frascati in the Castelli Romani hills, southeast of Rome. Their vineyards sit on volcanic soils (the old “Lago Regillo” caldera) at roughly 200-250 m elevation, benefitting from a mild Mediterranean climate and cooling breezes from the nearby Tyrrhenian Sea.

The estate converted to certified organic viticulture, uses minimal sulphur and embraces a low-intervention style.

“Onde” is labelled as a Lazio IGT rosé (or rosato) produced from 100% Cabernet Franc in the 2020 vintage.

Grape Variety – Cabernet Franc

While Cabernet Franc is more commonly associated with France (e.g., Bordeaux, Loire), here in Lazio the De Sanctis team have transplanted it to volcanic soils and adapted the variety into a rosé style. The variety brings a delicate aromatic profile (think gently herbal, light red fruit), good natural acidity, and moderate tannin — in a rosé context tannins are minimal and the focus instead is on freshness, brightness and purity of fruit. Within the volcanic terroir of Castelli Romani, the variety’s bright acidity and fine perfume are enhanced by the minerality and cooling influence of the site.

Tasting Note – 2020 Onde

Appearance: A pale, clear rose-salmon colour with subtle copper reflections, the hue signalling a delicate extraction and a rosé made with elegance rather than heavy skin contact.

Nose: Medium-plus intensity. Initially there are fresh red-berry aromas (strawberry, wild raspberry) followed by black-cherry hints. Lifted floral notes (rose petal, wild strawberry blossom) and subtle herbal/balsamic touches — a whisper of mint or fresh tarragon-leaf — that reflect the Cabernet Franc’s varietal character. The volcanic terroir contributes a chalky/mineral edge beneath the fruit, giving the nose a refined tension.

Palate: On the palate the wine is light to medium in body, yet with a firm backbone of fresh acidity. The red fruit carries through — bright strawberry and cherry — balanced by a gently saline-mineral streak and discreet herbal back-note. The texture is smooth and elegant: not heavy, but showing sufficient substance to give presence and length. The finish lingers with a crisp, dry after-taste of pomegranate skin and a faint spice (white pepper) which underlines the varietal identity.

Overall: A refined, sophisticated rosé that offers more complexity than one might expect. It marries bright red-fruit freshness with mineral-driven structure and a subtle herbal edge. It speaks of its volcanic Castelli Romani origin and of De Sanctis’ organic, low-intervention philosophy. Drinking now, it should offer immediate pleasure but also holds the balance to remain fresh for 2-3 years if stored well.

Pairing Suggestions

This style of rosé is versatile: it will work beautifully with Mediterranean summer fare — for example grilled sea-bream, prawns carpaccio, sashimi, or even delicate white meats. It would also partner nicely with lightly spicy dishes (e.g., tomato-based pasta with a hint of chili), or a charcuterie board of prosciutto, mild salami, and fresh cheeses.PM 88