Cesanese di Affile

Also known as Cesanese di Affile, Affile.

Cesanese di Affile is the smaller-berried, higher-quality biotype of the Cesanese family, named for the town of Affile in the hills east of Rome. It is generally considered finer and more structured than the larger, more productive Cesanese Comune, and is the grape behind the varietal Cesanese di Affile DOC as well as a leading component of Cesanese del Piglio DOCG.

It gives concentrated, aromatic reds with red- and black-fruit character, floral and spicy notes and a firm but supple tannic frame that can support ageing and Riserva styles. Its low yields and small berries concentrate flavor but make it more demanding to grow than Cesanese Comune.