THE WINE
Marco Tomei's Ritornato is a white wine made from the Ottonese grape, an indigenous variety of Lazio, Italy.  The "Ottonese" refers to a white grape variety primarily cultivated in Italy's Lazio region, especially in the province of Frosinone. Genetically, Ottonese is identical to Bombino Bianco, a variety prevalent in southern Italy, particularly in Apulia's Bari, Lecce, and Foggia provinces. Historically, Ottonese was once considered a distinct variety until DNA profiling confirmed its identity as Bombino Bianco. The name "Ritornato," meaning "returned," reflects the revival of this grape.
 
The wine is fermented spontaneously with skin maceration for four days, then aged for eight months in terracotta amphorae, resulting in a golden-yellow color. It offers aromas of yellow fruits like peach and melon, with a mineral, juicy, and slightly tannic palate. Ritornato pairs well with seasoned fish, white meat pasta sauces, and medium-aged cheeses.
 
THE PEOPLE
Although the winery was only founded in 2017, by Marco Tomei, the farm itself has been owned by the Tomei family for three generations. Previously only concerned with the cultivation of vegetables and wheat with small portions of vineyards, Marco has been inspired to develop his vineyards and wines only planting local varietals (Bellone and Ottonese for white, Cesanese and Abbuoto for red) following biodynamic farming and natural vinification.
 
THE PLACE
The winery sits in the municipality of Sezze, in the area of the ancient Arches of San Lidano: a bridge of Roman origin that connected the ancient Via Setina with the famous Appian Forum seen on their company logo.

Marco's goal and focal point is the recovery of the territory and its biodiversity, marrying biodynamic agriculture and eliminating the use of chemicals both in the vineyard and in the cellar. Winemaking takes place in neutral wine vessels; terra cotta and cement to highlight the fruit characteristics of the wine.

Expect invigorating and beautifully fresh wines from this oft-overlooked region!