THE WINE
Some wines need time after bottling to settle.  When we first had this wine 3 years ago it was WILD! Now however it's tasting great, still with a rustic edge that brings to mind the more earthy notes in Bordeaux but more settled and very drinkable.  One for those that like a little bit more of an edge to their wine.  
 
THE PEOPLE
Based in Terelle in Lazio, Fra I Monti is run by Rocco and Benedetto Leone.  Formed in 2018 they have aquired a collection of parcels, surrounded by chestnut trees, containing old vines of the native grapes like Maturano and Fiano, and some Semillon and Merlot - nativised to the region since Napoleon's time, much like in Tuscany. 
 
THE PLACE
Terelle is roughly halfway between Rome and Naples.  The region is dominated by its rich red soils, and steep sloped valleys aiding airflow and keeping a freshness to the wines in the increasingly warm summers. Winemaking here has a long history, given its place at the centre of the Roman empire with vines initially planted by the Etruscans.  In the Napoleonic occupation of Italy many French varietals were introduced to the region as was the case in Tuscany to the north.  The post-phylloxera era (late 19th century to 20th) was dominated by a quantity not quality mentality with the reputation of the region hitting the bottom of the barrel on the coattails of mass-produced Frascati.  Luckily locals such as Rocco and Benedetto, Marco Tomei and others are looking to regenerate the reputation of their home region and focus on their unique heritage and legacy.