Italian
In the heart of the Castelli Romani, one of the oldest and most appreciated wine regions in Italy, you can find Poggio le Volpi, a winery that continues a family tradition dating back to 1920. Rossella Macchia, General Manager of the company, tells us the story of this winemaking reality and its participation in Vinitaly 2025.
ROME. “We are happy to be back at Vinitaly this year and to be part of this event, presenting our wines in the Lazio pavilion. It’s a comeback that fills us with joy,” says Rossella Macchia, who has been representing the company founded by her husband, Felice Mergè, for years.
Poggio le Volpi takes its name from the hill on which the company is located, in Monteporzio Catone, in the area of the Castelli Romani, where foxes can still be spotted today. The area is rich in history, having been a favorite destination for Roman emperors, who built their patrician villas here. The connection to the land is profound, as Rossella recounts: “We are on a hill, with vineyards surrounding the company, where we mainly cultivate grapes for the production of our white wines.”
Tradition and innovation in the winery
Poggio le Volpi is a family-run winery, with Felice Mergè representing the third generation of a family lineage that began in 1920. Today, the fourth generation is also actively involved in the business, with Felice’s son, Armando, continuing the work started by his grandparents.
In 1920, wine production in the Castelli Romani was very different from today. “At that time, bottled wine did not exist, but there was the figure of the carter who transported the wine from Rome to the taverns,” explains Rossella. The tradition of bringing wine directly to the taverns in small barrels, called “cannelle,” is still alive in the collective memory of the area.
Poggio le Volpi wines
Poggio le Volpi produces both white and red wines, valorizing the ampelographic richness of its territory. The Monteporzio Catone area, located at 400 meters above sea level, is a volcanic area with clayey soils that give a unique character to the wines.
“We are located between two important denominations, Frascati DOC and Roma DOC, and we produce wines that range from white to red, but also from the classic method sparkling Frascati to the most precious wine, the pure Bombino,” Rossella explains. The production also includes Cannellino, a sparkling sweet Frascati with historical origins linked to the tradition of Roman cellars.”
Among the most significant labels, the Frascati Superiore “People”, the Lazio IGP white “Donna Luce” and the Lazio IGP red “Bacca Rosso” stand out. Over the years, the company has expanded its production, including also a line of Roma DOC, among which the Malvasia Roma Classico Bianco and Rosso and the Riserva Roma. Another distinctive product is the “Barcaccia”, a Cabernet Franc that represents a unique interpretation of the territory.
An undiscovered territory
Poggio le Volpi is a testimony to the passion and dedication of the Mergè family to winemaking. “The company’s philosophy is to enhance our territory, which is rich in history and tradition, but also in innovation,” concludes Rossella.
On the occasion of Vinitaly 2025, the company proudly showcased its products, carrying on a tradition that continues to evolve, while always maintaining a strong connection with the land and its history.
