Affile is a small, hilly area in the upper Aniene Valley, nestled amongst the bright and breezy slopes of the Apennines, with vineyards generally situated at altitudes of between 350 and 950 metres. The predominantly south, south-west and west-facing slopes ensure good sunlight exposure and natural drainage, whilst the temperate, humid climate – without summer drought – allows for the gradual ripening of the grapes, aided by significant daily temperature variations.
The soils, which consist of red clay-loam and are typically of limited depth with a cohesive subsoil, help to impart intensity, structure and complexity. The signature grape variety is Cesanese di Affile, a native black grape variety that forms the basis of the appellation’s red wines, produced in dry, sweet and Riserva styles. These are ruby-coloured wines with floral and fruity aromas, a harmonious structure and good depth; in the more mature expressions, spicy nuances and garnet hues emerge.
Local viticulture preserves traditional training systems and pruning practices, with particular attention paid to the exposure of the canopy and the balance of the vine. Red wine production, together with the extended ageing periods required for the Riserva, highlights the relationship between the environment, the grape variety and rural culture. Affile’s winemaking history, documented since Roman times and consolidated over the centuries, completes the identity of a highly distinctive terroir.
