Lecinaro

The Lecinaro grape is a rare and ancient native white variety originating from the Lazio region in central Italy. Once on the brink of extinction, this unique grape has recently been rediscovered and brought back to life through the dedicated efforts of local agricultural experts and preservation initiatives. In 2010, Lecinaro was officially registered in Italy’s National Register of Grapevine Varieties, marking an important step toward its revival and recognition. It was listed alongside other historic native grapes from Lazio such as Capolongo, Maturano, Pampanaro, and Rosciola, all of which form part of the region's rich viticultural heritage.

The rediscovery and preservation of Lecinaro were made possible thanks to an ambitious project led by ARSIAL (Agenzia Regionale per lo Sviluppo e l’Innovazione dell’Agricoltura del Lazio), the Regional Agency for Agricultural Development and Innovation. This project was specifically designed to identify the most promising clones of traditional vines already present in the Regional Register of Grapevine Varieties. By selecting and studying these ancient varieties, the initiative aimed to highlight their distinctive characteristics, promote biodiversity, and encourage sustainable viticulture in Lazio’s varied terroirs.

Despite its registration and increasing recognition among wine experts and historians, Lecinaro remains an extremely rare variety. Very few vineyards are currently cultivated with this grape, and wines made from it are exceptionally limited in production.

Lecinaro is characterised by its white-skinned berrie, adding to its uniqueness in a region often associated with bold reds and structured whites. Its potential in enology is still being explored, but early results suggest that Lecinaro can produce wines with freshness, subtle aromatic complexity, and strong links to the regional identity of central Italy.