Azienda Vinicola Casale del Giglio

Casale del Giglio is a pioneering winery located in the Agro Pontino valley, about 50 km south of Rome, in an area that historically had no viticultural tradition. What began as a family estate transformed into an ambitious winemaking project when Antonio Santarelli joined his father, Dino, recognizing the untapped potential of this unconventional land.

In 1985, the estate launched an innovative research project in collaboration with leading ampelographers and university researchers, planting nearly 60 experimental grape varieties. This scientific and forward-thinking approach was groundbreaking for its time and aimed at identifying which international and non-native varieties could adapt to the local terroir.

The results were remarkable, leading to the successful cultivation of varieties such as Syrah, Petit Verdot, Sauvignon, Viognier, and Petit Manseng. Thanks in part to this work, the European Community later authorized the planting of several “new recommended varieties” in the Latina province.

Today, the estate spans around 180 hectares of vineyards, all trained using the cordon system, and continues to embody a philosophy centered on innovation, research, and the exploration of new frontiers in Italian viticulture.

Casale del Giglio produces a diverse and dynamic range of wines that reflect its experimental spirit and commitment to quality. The portfolio includes white, rosé, and red wines, as well as a late harvest wine, grappas, and extra virgin olive oil.

The wines are primarily crafted from international grape varieties carefully selected for their adaptability to the Agro Pontino terroir. Successful expressions include monovarietal wines and blends based on Syrah, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Chardonnay, and Petit Manseng.

These wines are known for their balance, approachability, and excellent value, combining modern winemaking techniques with the results of decades of research. The overall philosophy is to produce high-quality wines in emerging areas, demonstrating that great Italian wines can also come from territories beyond the traditional appellations.