Cantina Damiano Ciolli Cirsium Cesanese di Olevano Romano Riserva 2019
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The Cirsium comes from a 65 year old single vineyard of 100% Cesanese di Affile planted by Damiano's grandfather in 1953. It derives its name from the Latin for thistle. This vineyard produces naturally about 4 - 6 bunches per vine and is the top selection of the estate.
The winery is based in Olevano Romano in the south-eastern sector of Rome province. The hilly and montainous country - mostly volcanic - is characterized by micro climatic conditions that have allowed - during the course of the centuries - the developing of remarkable viticultural wisdom and skills. Ciolli began to bottle his wines in 2001, though the family is working his vineyards from at least 4 generations. The limited surface (about 15 acres) allow a very careful managment of each single detail from the winter pruning to the bottling. All the work is done manually. All the vineyards are owned by the Ciolli family and lie on the gentle slopes of a hill few kilometers south of Olevano, at about 450 meters above sea level. The southern aspect, the deep red coloured volcanic soils the hot but dry summer days and the fresh August nights give Cesanese d’Affile perfect ripening conditions. The basic principle it to craft wines able to express the aromatic character that arise from the interaction between grape and terroir, without loosing the “memory” of tradition and respecting the natural environment.
Beyond the usual suspects, there are hundreds of red grape varieties grown throughout the world. Some are indigenous specialties capable of producing excellent single varietal wines, while others are better suited for use as blending grapes. Each has its own distinct viticultural characteristics, as well as aroma and flavor profiles, offering much to be discovered by the curious wine lover. In particular, Portugal and Italy are known for having a multitude of unique varieties but they can really be found in any region.
Known as the ancient homeland of the Latins, today there is a vigorus wine industry beyond the city limits of modern, bustling Rome. The Cesanese grape, full of red berry, spice and rose, is responsible for Lazio’s only true local reds. Lazio’s most famous white wine, called Frascati, is based on the local Malvasia del Lazio and Trebbiano Toscana. A sweet version, called Cannellino di Frascati, is also made.