Fontana Candida

Production since 1958

Fontana Candida’s cellars have produced wine since 1958. Over the following six decades, the winery became closely associated with the international distribution of Frascati. Its continuing focus has been the promotion and qualitative development of the Frascati denomination, regarded as part of the wine heritage of the Roman area.

The winery describes its approach as a meeting point between Lazio’s established wine culture and contemporary tastes. Its range has consequently combined Frascati and other Lazio wines with both still and sparkling expressions, drawing on traditional practices alongside modern winemaking methods.

Mauro Merz and the development of Frascati

Mauro Merz joined Fontana Candida as winemaker in 2001 after earlier cellar experience in Frascati and Trentino. He subsequently became director. His work centred on the careful selection and vinification of grapes from the estate’s vineyards and on strengthening Frascati as an expression of its territory.

Paolo Nardo takes management responsibility

In 2026, Paolo Nardo assumed management of Fontana Candida. He brought experience covering the agronomic and winemaking cycle, developed through work in Sicily, Umbria and Tuscany, together with particular expertise in white and sparkling-wine production and the maturation of red wines in large oak casks and barriques.

The Frascati production area

The Frascati DOC zone encompasses the complete municipal territories of Frascati, Grottaferrata and Monte Porzio Catone, together with parts of Rome and Montecompatri. Fontana Candida has 214 hectares under vine within this Roman-area landscape, including the 13-hectare Vigneto Santa Teresa.

Elevation, geology and soils

The vineyards occupy volcanic hills at elevations ranging from 200 to 400 metres. A defining soil material is volcanic pozzolan, locally called terrinella. Found in areas farther from the former eruption mouths, it consists of volcanic ash that developed into deep, sandy ground with high water permeability.

These soils are rich in potassium, contain moderate supplies of phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, iron and trace elements, and are poor in nitrogen.

Climate and ripening

The climate is Mediterranean, with generally moderate temperatures. Rainfall is concentrated in autumn and winter, followed by long dry periods across spring and summer. The coastal ponentino breeze tempers the hottest hours of summer and also helps prevent severely cold winter conditions.

September and October combine elevated temperatures with prolonged sunshine. These conditions, traditionally known as the ottobrate romane, support slow, complete grape maturation and contribute to the aromatic identity associated with Frascati.