Casale Del Giglio 2024 Bellone "Anthium" White Wine

The 2024 Casale del Giglio Bellone “Anthium” is a compelling expression of Italy’s ancient Bellone grape, offering vibrant tropical fruit intensity tempered by invigorating acidity and coastal minerality. Bright, expressive, and structured, it’s both approachable in its youth and endowed with enough complexity to benefit from bottle aging.

100% Bellone (an ancient indigenous white grape variety)

Origins & Craftsmanship

Produced by Casale del Giglio in Lazio, Italy, this wine celebrates an indigenous variety rooted in Roman viticultural history. The Bellone grape — thick-skinned, vigorous, and well adapted to warm, sandy soils — thrives in vineyards near the Tyrrhenian coast, where persistent sea breezes enhance phenolic ripeness and natural acidity.

For the Anthium bottling, grapes are harvested in late September at full maturity, then gently vinified in stainless steel. A brief maceration on the skins precedes soft pressing and spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts at controlled temperatures. This method preserves primary fruit purity while adding aromatic breadth and freshness.

Critics Reviews

The 2024 vintage has earned notable professional recognition:

• Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate awarded this wine 90 points, highlighting its exotic fruit profile and textured palate, noting intrigue in tasting a relatively rare indigenous variety.

• Falstaff also scored the 2024 Anthium 90 points, remarking on its ripe fruit center, refreshing acidity, and medium length on the palate.

These scores underscore the quality and stylistic success of a wine crafted from a distinctive Italian grape often underrepresented on the global stage.

Tasting Profile

Nose:
Generous aromas of ripe mango, papaya, and white peach are complemented by subtle floral hints and a touch of spice, all framed by a fresh, mineral edge.

Palate:
Medium- to full-bodied with lush tropical fruit flavors that are kept lively by marked natural acidity. Petals of white flowers, citrus zest, and saline undertones give structure, while a smooth texture adds richness and balance.

Finish:
Long and resonant, with lingering fruit and minerality that echo the wine’s vibrant acidity and coastal influence.

Quick Overview

Food Pairings

• Anzio “Sgavajone” fisherman’s soup — a traditional local pairing that mirrors the wine’s saline freshness.

• Grilled shellfish and seafood pasta — highlights tropical fruit and acid balance.

• Herb-crusted chicken with citrus glaze — complements floral fruit notes.

• Soft cheeses like Burrata or fresh Pecorino — pairs with texture and minerality.

Serve chilled at 50–54 °F in white wine glasses to maximize aromatic lift and palate balance.