One of central Italy’s native red grapes, Ciliegiolo has been making strides in recognition for its delicious, easy-drinking wines. While small pockets of Ciliegiolo have been made for local consumption, international drinkers might recognize it as a blending partner to ease Sangiovese’s intense tannic structure. This bottling from Umbria’s Bussoletti winery captures the variety’s vibrant, tangy red fruits (red/dark cherries, raspberries) and rhubarb character, along with its subtle dark-peppery shading. Tannins are merely a smattering of lightly grippy sensations, making it a fantastic wine to cool down to 56-58F and enjoy with medium-textured fish (e.g. sea bass, trout, & tuna), roasted/grilled chicken, or spring & summer pastas!
“The winery is located near the medieval hilltoptown of Narni which served as the inspiration for C.S.Lewis great fantasy work the Chronicles of Narnia. TheCiliegiolo grape has grown here for centuries and isprotected under the Narni Ciliegiolo IGT appellation.Leonardo crafts two different versions, as well as aGrechetto based white, all delicious expressions thatreflect the purity of Umbria’s terroir.
“A homage to Aslan, the mighty lion of the Chronicles ofNarnia, this is Leonardo’s most playful, versatile andeasy drinking Ciliegiolo. Bursting with signature cherryfruit, it offers lip smacking acidity and refined hints ofbalsamic and sweet fennel. Easy drinking and elegant,it’s best served slightly chilled (56-58 F).”
