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TheRoman Castles (Italian:Castelli Romani) are a group ofcomuni in theMetropolitan City of Rome. They are located a short distance south-east of the city ofRome, at the feet of theAlban Hills, in the territory corresponding to theOld Latium.
The castles are situated in a fertile volcanic area which has allowed since ancient times a flourishing agriculture. The former crater is occupied by two lakes,Nemi andAlbano.
Beginning in theancient Roman era, it was an area frequented by the noblemen of Rome for its fresher climate during summer; the tradition was followed by the Popes, who still have their summer residence inCastel Gandolfo, on Lake Albano. Families which ruled in the area includeOrsini,Colonna,Chigi,Aldobrandini,Savelli,Annibaldi andRuspoli. Some of the villas they built atMonte Tuscolo are known as theVille Tuscolane.
The Roman Castles are:[1]
Since 1996, the Roman Castles area has been home to a largedenominazione di origine controllata (DOC) zone that makes a wide variety of wine includingrosés, slightlysparklingfrizzantes and both dry andsweet wines. The DOC red androsés are composed ofCesanese Comune,Merlot,Montepulciano,Nero Buono andSangiovese with up to 15% of other local red grape varieties such asAbbuoto. The white wines of the region are composed ofMalvasia Candia,Puntinata andTrebbiano with up to 30% of other local white grape varieties. Grapes destined for DOC production must beharvested to ayield no greater than 12tonnes/hectare with the white androsés attaining a minimumalcohol level of at least 10.5% and the reds being having at least 11% alcohol by volume.[2]
Ariccia is celebrated for itsporchetta (roasted pork meat). Local sweets includemaritozzi, a kind ofsweet bun. From the harvest of wine grapes,wine must is used to bakeciambelle al mosto a large donut-shaped flat cake which can be found in the local bakeries.
41°45′07″N12°43′51″E / 41.75194°N 12.73083°E /41.75194; 12.73083
