RARE GRAPE VARIETAL RESOURCE

History: Lecinaro is an ancient and recently rediscovered red grape variety, native to the province of Frosinone and an integral part of the historic viticulture of Ciociaria. Documentary evidence of it dates back to the 19th century, when it appears in local agronomic repertoires as a native variety grown around Arpino, Sora, and Sant'Elia Fiumerapido.

For much of the 20th century, Lecinaro was a victim of the progressive disappearance of the lesser-known grape varieties of southern Lazio, surviving in a few scattered vines and in the oldest vineyards of the Val di Comino. Since the 2000s, thanks to university revival projects and growing interest in Lazio's native grape varieties, the variety has been reselected and vinified as a single varietal, restoring a distinctive profile deeply rooted in the agricultural culture of Ciociaria.

The center of Lecinaro cultivation remains the province of Frosinone, particularly the municipalities of Arpino, Santopadre, Sora, Fontechiari, Broccostella, and the wider Val di Comino area. It is now permitted in some regional regulations of Lazio as a minority component and, more recently, it has also been proposed in single-varietal winemaking as part of projects to promote native grape varieties.

Despite its registration and increasing recognition among wine experts and historians, Lecinaro remains an extremely rare variety. Very few vineyards are currently cultivated with this grape, and wines made from it are exceptionally limited in production.

The Lecinaro plant is medium-highly vigorous. The berries produce intensely colored musts, rich in anthocyanins and tannins. The pulp is juicy, acidic, and has a distinct, fragrant aroma. Ripening is medium-late, between late September and early October. Lecinaro is most similar in style and profile to a light-bodied, high-acidity, and highly aromatic mainstream red varietal like Pinot Noir or Gamay.

Lecinaro is a rustic grape variety which exhibits good drought resistance and moderate tolerance to the main fungal diseases, although the compactness of its bunches can make it vulnerable to botrytis in rainier years. Productivity is medium-high and consistent, but careful pruning is essential to obtain wines with greater concentration. Vinification takes place primarily in steel, with macerations of variable length depending on the desired style.

Aromatically, the grape expresses red and black fruits (black cherry, plum, and blackberry), light spices, dark floral notes, and a subtle balsamic component. It can be vinified alone or used in blends to add structure, acidity, and color. Given its light structure and pronounced floral character, it is best suited for producing fresh, vibrant red wines rather than for significant aging.

Sources: (https://www.quattrocalici.it/); (https://winesafariitalia.com/grapes/lecinaro)

VIVC: https://www.vivc.de/index.php?r=passport%2Fview&id=24864

Parentage: Unknown

Tasting notes: Lecinaro wines have an intense ruby ​​color with purple highlights. On the nose, they reveal aromas of black cherry, marasca cherry, blackberry and violet, with spicy and balsamic accents.

On the palate, they are balanced, fresh, and feature a good tannic structure, lively acidity, and a savory finish, typical of the area's calcareous soils. The younger versions offer immediate pleasure, while the more mature versions display greater complexity and depth. Source: (https://www.quattrocalici.it/)

Food Pairings: Pasta e Fagioli (Ciociaria Style); Savory Countryside Pies; Amatriciana or Light Ragù; Roast Chicken or Farm Duck; Grilled Pork or Meatballs; Game Birds; Mature Buffalo Cheese or Pecorino;   Charcuterie & Taralli; Dark Chocolate with Hazelnuts.                                                                 Sources: (https://www.alpassofood.com/en/prodotto/lecinaro-igt-del-frusinate-biologico-2025-5l/); (https://golden-vines.com/wines/frusinate-lecinaro-zitore/techsheet/) & (https://callmewine.co.uk/palmieri-ds-bio-2022-P57148.htm);

Production areas: Frusinate IGP, Lazio IGP, Roma Rosso DOC

Producers: https://www.autoctovino.com/grape/lecinaro/