Cesanese

Also known as Cesanese di Affile, Cesanese Comune, Cesanese di Comune.

Cesanese is the most important native red grape of Lazio, grown chiefly in the hills of the Ciociaria east and south of Rome (Piglio, Olevano Romano, Affile). It exists in two principal forms: the smaller-berried, finer Cesanese di Affile and the larger-berried, more productive Cesanese Comune (Cesanese di Comune); the two are often grown and blended together.

Cesanese gives medium- to full-bodied reds with soft tannins, red-fruit and floral aromas and a characteristic gentle spiciness, made in dry, off-dry, sweet and sparkling styles. It is the grape of Lazio's only red DOCG, Cesanese del Piglio, as well as the Cesanese di Affile and Cesanese di Olevano Romano DOCs.