"Lazio is a terrific source of distinctive Italian wines, as the region is blessed with great geologic diversity, a temperate climate and numerous high quality. But by far the most intriguing wine production area in Lazio today is the one where the three red Cesanese varieties rule, situated immediately south and southeast of Rome, in the direction of the city of Frosinone." Ian D'Agata

Daniele Proietti and Pierluca Proietti shot to fame with their previous label Costa Graia. It was a label I saw in all of my favourite restaurants in Rome, from Roscioli to Armando, and everytime I ordered a bottle it was just perfect with cucina alla Romana. The cousins are now out on their own with Abbia Nòva, named after the ancient Roman road that links their territory with Abruzzo, with seven hectares of vines in Piglio in south eastern Lazio.

Their farming is entirely sustainable, incorporating Fukuoka methods with elements of biodynamics and homeopathic remedies, all designed to give energy to the vines by fostering the fertility of the soil and the plants roots.  They don't use copper or sulfur treatments in the vineyards and, in the cantina, strictly natural yeasts and no additions apart from a tiny amount of sulfur.

In addition to Cesanese and Passerina, there are plantings of Bellone, Ottonese, Nostrano and Fosco Peloso, surrounded by 1000 olive trees, walnut trees and a vegetable and herb garden, all farmed with the same principles.