Ciliegiolo is a red grape variety with deep roots in central Italy, particularly in Tuscany and Umbria. Its origin has long been a subject of debate: alongside the hypothesis that it originated in Spain and was introduced in the 19th century, numerous studies recognise its ancient roots in central Italy. For a long time it was considered to be a variant of Sangiovese, but ampelographic studies have confirmed it as a distinct variety. The vine is vigorous; the leaves are generally medium to large, pentagonal, trilobed or pentalobed, with a slightly blistered margin. The bunch is medium to large, cylindrical-conical or pyramidal in shape, often compact, whilst the berry is medium to large, spheroidal, with a thick, pruinose skin and an intense blue-violet colour. Widespread mainly in Tuscany and Umbria, it is also grown in Liguria, the Marche, Lazio, Abruzzo and Puglia, demonstrating a remarkable ability to adapt. The resulting wine is characterised by an intense ruby colour, sometimes with violet hues, and by fragrant aromas of cherry, morello cherry, small red berries and delicate floral notes. On the palate, it offers good suppleness, balanced freshness, generally fine tannins and a medium to substantial structure. It can be enjoyed young for its immediacy, but the more ambitious versions develop complexity with ageing. The name evokes precisely the characteristic cherry notes that define its identity.
