The Ciliegiolo
Grape
A red grape variety native to Italy, believed to be a parent or relative of Sangiovese. It is known for producing wines with cherry-like flavors (as suggested by its name, which means 'little cherry' in Italian), soft tannins, and a pleasant, fruity profile. Ciliegiolo is often used in blends but is also valued as a varietal wine in Tuscany and Umbria.
Ciliegiolo
Grape History
Ciliegiolo is a red wine grape variety that is native to Italy. Its name directly translates to "cherry" in Italian, which gives a nod to the grape's characteristic flavor profile marked by notes of cherry and red fruits. This ancient grape variety has a long and storied history, with records showing its cultivation in central Italy dating back to the 16th century.
Ciliegiolo is primarily grown in central Italy, particularly in the regions of Tuscany, Umbria, and Lazio. It thrives in warm and sunny climates, producing high-quality grapes that are used to make both single varietal wines and blends. In Tuscany, Ciliegiolo is often blended with Sangiovese to add complexity and freshness to the wines, most notably in the popular Morellino di Scansano DOCG.
One of the most interesting facts about Ciliegiolo is its versatility. While it is commonly used as a blending grape to enhance other varietals, it also shines on its own as a varietal wine. Ciliegiolo wines are known for their bright acidity, soft tannins, and aromatic profile, making them a favorite among wine enthusiasts looking for something unique and expressive.
In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in Ciliegiolo both in Italy and internationally. Winemakers are rediscovering the potential of this ancient grape variety and experimenting with different winemaking techniques to highlight its best qualities. With its elegant and approachable character, Ciliegiolo has the potential to attract a new generation of wine drinkers who are looking for authentic and distinctive wines.
Looking ahead, the future of Ciliegiolo seems promising. As consumers continue to seek out lesser-known grape varieties and wines with a sense of place, Ciliegiolo has the opportunity to establish itself as a sought-after varietal both domestically and internationally. With its rich history, unique flavor profile, and versatility in winemaking, Ciliegiolo is poised to make a mark in the world of fine wines for years to come.
Introduction
Hello, my name is Franklin Laurel - Welcome!
I started drinking wine in 1992 when I was in my early twenties and recently married. Like many other young Southern Californians, it started out with White Zinfandel. As we were a couple of young DINKs just beginning life together, and on a budget, our go-to-wine was Sutter Home White Zinfandel, which tasted a lot like wine coolers and probably cost at the time $2.49. If we really were going to splurge, we would step it up and buy Beringer White Zinfandel for $2.99. Those were the days....
After a little time, we decided to get fancy. We stepped up our game and bought some wonderful 2-Buck Chuck from Trader Joe's. The Charles Shaw (Trader Joe's Exclusive Label) wine, also known as 2-Buck-Chuck extended our pallet into Reds for only $1.99 a bottle. Over the years we continued to grow in our understanding of wine (finally ran into some good wine) and we slowly kept buying better and better bottles.
Our first wine club purchase was from Kenwood's Vineyards, in Kenwood, California located in Sonoma Valley, right next to the famous Napa Valley. I began to learn about tobacco leather, and earthiness, and lots of other strange terminology when tasting their signature Zinfandels (of the red variety). So that is how it all began.
Fast forward a couple decades, and we have been members of five different wine clubs, and now have a passion for California's red wines. My favorite by far is Cabernet Sauvignon, while my wife fancies a good Syrah, Malbec, or Merlot - but she also loves the smell of a wine barrel room, which is all about the notes of Cabernet Sauvignon.
As I come across great wine resources and useful information that I find in planning my own wine trips, I will share here for anyone that might stumble across my humble website.
Cheers! - Franklin Laurel