Azienda Agricola San Lazzaro EN

Azienda Agricola San Lazzaro

Canaiolo Nero is one of the oldest grape varieties ever cultivated, widespread mainly in Tuscany but also in the neighboring Marche and Umbria regions. It appears to have been brought to our territory by a passing clergyman or by travelers, and here it found the ideal soil and climate conditions to bring out its finest qualities.

There are several etymological theories about its name. Tommaseo, in the Grande Dizionario della Lingua Italiana, defines “Canaiuola” as “a black grape so called because its sweetness is exceedingly pleasing to dogs.” Another well-supported theory is that the name Cannaiola derives from the Latin “Dies caniculares” — the Dog Days of late July and early August, when the color of the grapes begins to turn toward violet. Yet another theory traces the name to the word “canna” (cane/reed), referring to the practice of supporting vines by propping them against reeds, a method widespread in water-rich areas like ours.

Cannaiola vines have been cultivated since time immemorial in the territory of Marta and the neighboring areas of Capodimonte and Tuscania, southwest of Lake Bolsena, always tended by the people of Marta, who jealously guard their traditions. After a period of relative decline and following the granting of Controlled Designation of Origin status in 1996, Cannaiola cultivation intensified and several vineyards were registered under the “Cannaiola” designation. The DOP recognition “Cannaiola dei Colli Etruschi Viterbesi,” as stipulated in the relevant production regulations, is reserved for wines made from at least 85% Canaiolo Nero, locally known as Cannaiola. Our vineyard producing Cannaiola in the municipality of Capodimonte — a terrace overlooking the lake and the magnificent Bisentina Island — is in part still the one planted in the late 1960s by our beloved grandfather Tancredi Ortenzi, registered as indigenous genetic heritage by ARSIAL, the beating heart and hallmark of our Cannaiola.

Azienda Agricola San Lazzaro is a family business, established in 2002 by Giacomo and Costantino Scatarcia with the aim of producing great wines rooted in tradition, in an artisan and sustainable way. We are located in the DOC Colli Etruschi Viterbesi area, on volcanic terrain with an ancient and deep-rooted winemaking vocation, in the municipalities of Marta and Capodimonte, immersed in the unspoiled natural landscape typical of the southern shore of Lake Bolsena.

Contacts Azienda Agricola San Lazzaro Strada Provinciale 114 – 01010 Marta (VT) Phone: +39 392 9021727 Email: info@cannaioladimarta.it Website: http://www.cannaioladimarta.it Social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cannaiola_marta/