Tuscan Maremma cherry tree
Ciliegiolo is an ancient native red grape variety of central Italy
Ciliegiolo Maremma Toscana is probably the best known of the Ciliegiolo ampelographic-based DOC wines. With its almost one thousand hectares of vineyards dedicated to Ciliegiolo only between the Lucca area and the Maremma, Tuscany is currently the largest producer of wines with the Ciliegiolo vine, giving rise to some of the best single-variety productions, especially in Maremma . In addition to the Maremma Toscana Ciliegiolo Doc, in Tuscany the Ciliegiolo is included in the Chianti and Chianti Classico DOCG specifications and in the Parrina and Colline Lucchesi Doc specifications.
The Maremma Toscana Ciliegiolo DOC provides a maximum yield of 11 quintals of grapes per hectare and a minimum alcoholic strength by volume of 11 degrees.
The vine, until recently used almost exclusively as a “blending” grape, that is, together with other grapes for winemaking, is experiencing a great moment today, thanks to many small companies in central Italy who have bet on Ciliegiolo and its territoriality.
The presence of the vine has been attested in central Italy for centuries, the most widespread regions are Tuscany, Umbria, Marche, Liguria, but also Abruzzo and Puglia, while it is almost completely absent in northern Italy.
The best known producers of wines vinified with pure Ciliegiolo are mostly Tuscan or Umbrian wineries. Today Ciliegiolo is used together with other vines in the vinification of many wines, IGT, DOC, and DOCG, but it is also included in the Maremma Toscana Ciliegiolo Doc (classic version and Passito version), Golfo del Tigullio Ciliegiolo Doc, Val di Cornia Ciliegiolo Doc, Rosso Orvietano Ciliegiolo Doc, Controguerra Ciliegiolo Doc.
The vine takes its name from its aroma, which recalls that of ripe cherries. The color of the vine vinified in purity is deep and intense, reflecting its flavour, soft, warm, alcoholic and full-bodied. The low acidity means that the wines are soon ready to drink.
The Ciliegioloprefers hilly soils that are not too humid and a temperate-warm and dry climate. It is very resistant to drought, and thanks to these characteristics it has found its terrain of choice in Maremma.
Tuscan Maremma cherry tree
«Tuscan Maremma» Ciliegiolo:
view: ruby red tending to garnet with aging;
smell: vinous, delicate;
taste: dry, velvety, harmonious, full-bodied;
minimum total alcoholic strength by volume: 11.50% vol;
minimum total acidity: 4.5 g/l; minimum non-reducing extract: 22.0 g/l.
pairings: perfect with medium-structured dishes, such as ragù, stews and roast or grilled meats, with typical Tuscan appetizers
Cherry: minimum 85%;
up to a maximum of 15% may also contribute to the production of this wine from grapes from other vines, with similar colored berries, suitable for cultivation within the Tuscany Region.
