Ciliegio is an old Tuscan grape variety. It is a relative of Sangiovese; the other being the calabrese montenuovo, now extinct.
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Traditionally blended with Sangiovese in Chianti wines, it is rarely vinified alone. Its name would come from its aromas of cherry and its fruity character.
There is indeed a little cherry here, on the nose and on the palate, but the wine is above all strongly Italian, very dry, with many non-fruity aromas.
This Fattoria Fibbiano Ciliegiolo Toscana 2019 offers ripe fruit, but also lots of notes reminiscent of undergrowth, garrigue, black tea, anise, all with a floral hint.
The mouth is fleshy, first fruity then very quickly firm, with moderate but chewy tannins. Tasty, and made for the table, to serve with braised beef with carrots, osso buco or pasta with ragù sauce.
Fattoria Fibbiano Ciliegiolo Toscana 2019, $26.60 (14997964), 14%, organic
Aging: 4 or 5 years