Calling All Archaeologists: Excavate in Italy Summer 2009

If you have some experience in archaeological fieldwork, the University of Michigan may be looking for you. In June of 2009, UM will launch a six-week excavation at the urban site of Gabii, an ancient settlement of Rome's Italian allies. Gabii is located just east of Rome and excavators will be housed in nearby Frascati at the Hotel Villa Mercede. Read more about the excavation in UM's Literature, Science and Arts magazine. The Modern Traveler can't think of a better way to spend the summer-living and breathing Roman history!

Mario Batali's Lazio and Frascati Recommendations

Mario Batali,the famous Manhattan restaurateur whose newest project is a series on Spain with Gwyneth Paltrow, has an extensive website with recommendations for restaurants and hotels all over Italy. Of particular interest to the Modern Traveler are his recommendations for Lazio, the region around Rome. He touts two spots in Frascati, the site of the baroque Villa Aldobrandini (pictured). For gnocchi and views he recommends Zaraza and for a more upscale experience (with wine caves) Cacciani in the center of town. If you can't make it to Lazio, but you are in Manhattan and want a taste of Rome, visit Batali's Roman-style restaurant, Lupa.

Tod's Film Takes Gwyneth to Rome to Promote Pashmy Bag

Tod's, the Milanese shoe company famed for its driving loafer, recently released a film on its website starring Gwyneth Paltrow (who has her own website now-read a review here). The film, directed by Dennis Hopper, is dedicated to a new handbag, the Pashmy, and what happens when the celebrity loses hers in Rome. Campo dei Fiori and the Villa Aldobrandini in Frascati are the featured locations in this short film. Villa Aldobrandini is an incredible 17th century palace built by the nephew of Pope Clement VIII, Cardinal Pietro Aldobrandini. The Villa is famous for its commanding view of the valley leading up to Rome, as well its water theater, park and Baroque wall-paintings. The Villa and the charming town of Frascati make for an excellent daytrip from Rome- and admission is free!
Watch the film here.

White Wines of Rome

Certainly the wines of Italy are renowned. The wines of the region surrounding Rome (Lazio) are not as well-known as some of the neighboring regions (like Tuscany). But Roman wines, especially the whites, are quite popular within the region and some are even widely exported. You may have heard of Est! Est! Est! from Montefiascone, made from combinations of Malvasia and Trebbiano grapes. Other white wines that are worthy of note are the Castelli Romani (Roman Castles) from the Alban Hills region around Lake Nemi (pictured above). The wines from this area have an ancient reputation, and in particular Frascati and Marino have an international following. The region offers many other interesting white wines (also made primarily with Malvasia grapes), such as Colli Albani, Colli Lanuvini, and Montecampatri-Colonna. You will find that the white wines from Lazio are sweet, fruity, light, and not meant to be set down for long periods of time. Enjoy them on the younger side. Look for these wines on the menu in restaurants and wine bars or pick up a bottle at an enoteca (wine shop). Try the Enoteca Bernabei at Via San Francesco a Ripa #48 in Trastevere for a great selection and helpful guidance.
Readers: What are some of your favorite white wines of Lazio?