Olevano Romano "Silene", Damiano Ciolli - 2024

Truly native to the Lazio region, the Cesanese grape has yielded high quality wine since the Roman era. Though its reputation suffered during the mid-20th century industrialization of wine production, independent winegrowers like Damiano Ciolli are finally giving Cesanese the recognition it deserves. Ciolli's "Silene" bottling, named for a flower that can be found in Olevano Romano's volcanic soils, takes the cake for showing the heights Cesanese can reach. This is an endlessly drinkable, light-medium bodied red that displays both freshness and depth, with little tannins. It has a delicate perfume of bright red fruits and a bit of spice. You could call it juicy. To quote restauranteur Joe Campanale, "Cesanese is a grape for our times and tastes". Put a light chill on the bottle and try to resist the temptation to drink it all in one go!