Principe Pallavicini is a family-owned estate in the Castelli Romani area of Lazio, southeast of Rome, where the Pallavicini family has held land for hundreds of years. The winery occupies a site layered with Roman history—its foundations rest upon ancient infrastructure including a cistern and aqueduct—and the vineyard regularly yields Roman artefacts. This is not heritage for display: it shapes how the wines taste. Around 60 hectares of vines, mostly white varieties, grow at 200 metres elevation on volcanic soils, calcareous clays and sand. What sets Principe Pallavicini apart is their commitment to indigenous grapes—Malvasia di Candia, Malvasia del Lazio, Cesanese—handled with modern technique to produce wines that are clean, vibrant and true to their terroir rather than chasing international trends.

About Principe Pallavicini

The Castelli Romani hills have been a wine region since antiquity. Legend credits Cretans who arrived around 1200 BC with establishing the first hilltop settlements here, long before the Pallavicini name was even written. That depth of history informs the estate's approach: winemaking here is not an experiment but a continuation of something rooted in place. The Frascati blend combines Malvasia di Candia and Malvasia del Lazio with Trebbiano and Greco, vinified classically after gentle pressing to preserve floral delicacy. The white Roma DOC is 100% Malvasia del Lazio, given brief skin maceration before fermentation and four to five months ageing on lees—a technique that adds texture and complexity to a wine that could otherwise be straightforward. For reds, the Cesanese grape is hand-harvested in early October, fermented on skins for two weeks in stainless steel to build structure without over-extraction. Every decision—when to pick, how long to ferment, what vessel to age in—aims at balance and purity rather than power.

Principe Pallavicini Wines in Our Collection

Start with the 2025 Frascati (86 points), a traditional blend of Malvasia varieties with Trebbiano and Greco that delivers tropical fruit and balance in a wine designed for food. For red, the 2024 Rubillo Cesanese (85 points) is a light, perfumed wine built for early drinking, with ripe fruit and spice from brief stainless-steel ageing—ideal for poultry, lighter pasta or slightly chilled on a warm evening. All four represent excellent value for wines made on ancient volcanic ground with real technique behind them.

Food Pairing

Malvasia whites from Castelli Romani are natural partners for Roman and Southern Italian food. Serve the Frascati or Malvasia Puntinata Roma with seafood pasta, grilled branzino, burrata and tomato, or fresh mozzarella. The Rubillo, light and perfumed, suits roast chicken, herb-brined fish, or light antipasti. The Roma Rosso, with its spice and structure, demands grilled lamb chops, oxtail ragù, or aged pecorino cheese. All these wines gain in the company of food rather than standing alone.

What makes Principe Pallavicini different from other Lazio producers?

The estate sits on Roman ruins and uses indigenous varieties—Malvasia di Candia, Malvasia del Lazio, Cesanese—handled with modern technique. Volcanic soils and careful fermentation preserve floral and mineral character rather than international style.

Which Principe Pallavicini wine should I buy for everyday drinking?

The 2025 Frascati (86 points) or 2024 Rubillo Cesanese (85 points) are both food-friendly, balanced wines designed for regular enjoyment. Both score well and offer tropical or perfumed character at accessible prices.

Are these wines suitable for ageing?

The whites—Frascati and Malvasia Puntinata Roma—are best enjoyed within 2–3 years. The 2021 Roma Rosso, aged in French tonneaux, has structure and spice for longer cellaring. Rubillo is meant for fresh, early drinking.

Who makes Principe Pallavicini wines?

The Pallavicini family, who have owned land in the Castelli Romani area of Lazio, southeast of Rome, for hundreds of years. Their estate sits on Roman foundations and operates across 60 hectares of vineyard.

What style of wine does Principe Pallavicini make?

Mostly white wines from indigenous grapes—Malvasia di Candia, Malvasia del Lazio, and Trebbiano—handled with modern technique for clean, vibrant expression. The 2025 Frascati (86 points) is tropical and balanced; reds like Cesanese are light and perfumed.