Unlike the southern regions, the production and consumption of wine in central Italy spread several centuries later. Today, most of Lazio’s viticulture is concentrated in two major zones: the Castelli Romani hill area and the province of Viterbo. White wines predominate in the region and the most widespread white grape varieties are Malvasia del Lazio, Malvasia Bianca di Candia and Trebbiano. These grapes are used to make wines such as Frascati, Frascati Superiore, Montefiascone and Grechetto. Among the most commonly grown red grape varieties, Montepulciano, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon have an indisputable reputation, but the leading position is clearly retained by the indigenous Cesanese grape variety used for excellent quality wines.