The Bellone grape is a very versatile variety, widely grown in Lazio, especially in the provinces of Rome and Latina. Bellone, a grape of very ancient origins, was widespread in the Castelli Romani area during Roman times and was mentioned by Pliny the Elder as “uva pantastica.” Bellone is primarily cultivated in the vineyards around the capital (where it has been grown since antiquity) and plays an important role in the delicate white wines of the Roma DOC denomination. In fact, Bellone is so significant for the region’s viticulture that Roma Bellone DOC is one of only two varietal wine types covered by the DOC. Single-variety Bellone wines are also produced in the Marino DOC (in the Castelli Romani area, just south of Rome) and in the coastal vineyards of the Nettuno DOC.

Bellone is known by numerous synonyms such as Cacchione and Arciprete. Bellone is included in many denominations of Lazio. The white Bellone has a less known cousin with black skin, the Bellone Nero. The Bellone grape produces medium to large clusters, cylindrical-conical in shape, occasionally winged, and tightly packed. The berries are medium to large, spherical, with thick yellow skins streaked with brown, covered with bloom. Bellone is a very vigorous grape variety with high but irregular yields. It is trained with medium expansion systems on various soils, preferably volcanic and light, like those of the Castelli Romani. Bellone prefers fertile, well-drained but cool soils. It is susceptible to downy mildew and rot, while it resists other diseases well. Bellone matures late, in the first ten days of October. Although most often Bellone produces light and fresh white wines, the variety is sometimes used to produce sweet wines from late harvests. The Bellone grape was once a key component of Frascati Cannellino passito, although it is now typically made from Malvasia and Trebbiano (the classic recipe for Vin Santo).