The Cesanese grape

History and Origin

Cesanese is a red grape variety that is indigenous to the Lazio region in central Italy. Its name comes from the town of Cesano. The grape has deep historical roots, dating back to Roman times. It was likely a favourite of the Romans, who cultivated it for its robust flavour and adaptability.

This grape variety has been integral to the culture and winemaking traditions in Lazio. Cesanese’s presence in the region has been documented for centuries, making it one of the oldest known wine grapes in Italy. Historical texts often reference Cesanese in the context of Roman feasts and local traditions.

Cesanese is primarily grown in three Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) regions: Cesanese di Affile, Cesanese di Olevano Romano, and Cesanese di Piglio. Each of these areas offers unique conditions that enhance the qualities of the grape, contributing to its distinct flavour profiles.

Cesanese di Affile is known for producing wines with high quality and strong aging potential. Cesanese di Olevano Romano and Cesanese di Piglio also contribute to the grape’s esteemed reputation, each adding their own distinctive characteristics.

The use of Cesanese in local winemaking is a testament to its significance. Winemakers in Lazio have long cherished this grape for its ability to produce wines with complex flavours, including notes of cherry, plum, and spice.

In modern times, Cesanese continues to be a symbol of Lazio’s rich viticultural heritage. Its historical importance and unique qualities make it a standout in the world of Italian wines.

Viticulture

Cesanese is a red wine grape variety primarily grown in the Lazio region of central Italy. The grape needs a long growing season with plenty of sunshine to fully ripen. This requirement makes it a late-ripening grape.

The vineyards are often planted on hillsides, which offer well-draining soils. These soils help prevent water from pooling around the roots, which is better for the grape vines.

Farmers often use the Guyot training system on the vines. This system involves trimming the vine to retain one or two main stems, making it easier to manage and improving grape quality.

In recent years, there has been a focus on biodynamic farming practices. This approach emphasizes the health of the soil and surrounding ecosystem. Farmers like Carlo Noro use these methods to highlight the unique qualities of the terroir in Lazio.

Soil management is another critical part of viticulture for Cesanese. For example, Valerio Noro, Carlo Noro’s son, collects soil samples from different vineyard sites. These samples help understand how different soils affect the grape quality.

List of important practices:

• Guyot training system
• Biodynamic farming
• Soil sampling

These practices are essential to producing high-quality Cesanese wine. By focusing on specific viticulture techniques, winemakers can ensure that the grapes fully express their unique characteristics.

The combination of location, training systems, and farming practices define the viticulture of Cesanese, making it a special grape variety in the Lazio region.

Wine Characteristics

Cesanese wine, originating from Italy’s Lazio region, is known for its deep ruby colour and smooth texture.

The flavour profile often includes red fruits like cherry and strawberry, accompanied by spicy and floral notes. This gives it a complex and enjoyable taste.

Tannin content is high, offering a bold and robust flavour. This makes the wine well-structured and age-worthy.

Cesanese’s natural acidity tends to mellow as the wine matures, providing a balanced taste that evolves over time.

Notable for its minerality, Cesanese reflects the unique terroir of Lazio. This characteristic adds depth and uniqueness to the wine.

A table highlighting key characteristics:

Some versions of Cesanese use two different grape varieties: Cesanese Comune and Cesanese d’Affile. This blend creates varied and interesting flavour profiles.

Freshness is another key trait, especially in younger wines. This comes from early harvesting to preserve natural acidity.

Cesanese wines can be both still and sparkling, adding versatility to their profile. The still wines are often more robust, while sparkling versions bring out fresh, fruity notes.

Key Regions

Lazio

Cesanese is primarily grown in the Lazio region of Italy. This region is significant due to its historical connection to the grape, with cultivation dating back to ancient Rome.

Cesanese del Piglio

The Cesanese del Piglio area features around 680 acres of vineyards. Located 30 miles east of Rome in the Ernici Hills, this region is known for its clay soils that are rich in iron oxide, giving them a distinct dark red colour.

Cesanese di Affile DOC

Cesanese di Affile is another key region. This Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) area is specifically known for the Cesanese d’Affile clone, considered one of the higher-quality grape varieties.

Cesanese di Olevano DOC

Cesanese di Olevano DOC is also noteworthy. This region focuses on producing wines with the Cesanese Comune variety. The wines from this area are celebrated for their rich flavours and aromatic profiles.

Other Areas

Besides these main regions, smaller vineyards in Lazio also cultivate Cesanese grapes. While not as prominent, they contribute to the diversity and richness of Cesanese wine offerings.

Wine Styles

Cesanese is known for its distinct and varied styles. The grape typically produces still red wines that highlight bright fruit flavours and earthy undertones. These wines can range in body from light to medium, depending on how they are crafted.

Wines made from Cesanese often feature aromas of red berries, such as cherries and raspberries. Some also have hints of spices and herbs. These wines strike a fine balance between fruitiness and tannic structure, making each sip nuanced and enjoyable.

Another notable attribute of Cesanese wines is their aging potential. Some winemakers age them in oak barrels, which adds complex flavours like vanilla and toasted nuts. This method enhances the wine’s body and depth.

Common Styles of Cesanese Wine

1. Young, Fresh Cesanese:

   • Light-bodied
   • High acidity
   • Fruity flavours

2. Aged Cesanese:

   • Medium-bodied
   • Oak-aged for complexity
   • Notes of vanilla and spice

3. Cesanese Comune:

   • Preferred clone
   • Balanced in tannins and acidity
   • Often showcases earthy elements

4. Cesanese d’Affile:

   • Another popular clone
   • Rich and full-bodied
   • Deep berry flavours

Tasting Table

These varied styles showcase Cesanese’s adaptability and appeal to a wide range of wine enthusiasts. The key to enjoying these wines lies in exploring the different expressions and finding the style that suits one’s taste preferences.

Food Pairing

Cesanese wine pairs well with a wide range of foods due to its medium to full-bodied texture and moderate tannins.

For meat lovers, Cesanese is an excellent match with red meats like beef, lamb, and venison. The tannins in the wine help balance the richness of these meats.

Cesanese also pairs wonderfully with sausages and roasted meats. Its bold flavours complement the savory and sometimes spicy notes in these dishes.

Typical Roman cuisine features many dishes that go well with Cesanese. Consider pairing this wine with Roman-style lamb, oxtail, and porchetta.

Vegetarian options are also a good match. Deep-fried artichokes and other hearty vegetables can balance well with Cesanese wine.

In summary, choose Cesanese wine to complement dishes with bold, rich flavours.

Food Pairing Suggestions:

Notable Wines and Tasting Notes

Cesanese wine is known for its unique and complex flavour profile.

Carlo Noro 2020 “Collefurno” Cesanese IGP Lazio

Carlo Noro’s 2020 “Collefurno” Cesanese is made from single-vineyard grapes grown on volcanic red clay soils. It ages for 10 months in used tonneaux, followed by additional bottle aging. This wine is brilliant ruby red with garnet undertones.

Tasting Notes:

• Ripe red and dark berries
• Violets
• Dried herbs
• Spices
• Earthy
• Savory
• Plush tannins

Cesanese del Piglio

Cesanese del Piglio often features moderate oak aging, which affects its taste. The wines can be less gamey when aged in oak.

Tasting Notes:

• Cranberry sauce
• Sweet pomegranate
• Plums
• Wild boar ichor

General Flavor Profile of Cesanese Wines

Cesanese wines typically showcase a variety of flavours including:

• Cherry
• Plum
• Spice

These wines are also known to offer earthy and savory flavours, and can show bright fruit characters with earthy undertones.

Producers to Watch

There are many notable producers of Cesanese wine, each bringing their unique style and interpretation. Some well-regarded names have contributed significantly to the quality and recognition of Cesanese wines in the Lazio region.

These notable details provide a glimpse into the rich and varied experiences Cesanese wines offer.

Current Trends and Future Outlook

Cesanese, a red wine grape variety from Italy, is gaining attention in the global wine market. Winemakers are emphasizing its unique flavour profile, which includes notes of red fruits, spices, and flowers.

Climate change is influencing grape cultivation. Warmer temperatures are affecting the ripening process. This is prompting winemakers to adapt their techniques to maintain the grape’s quality.

There is a growing interest in organic and biodynamic farming. Producers are exploring these methods to enhance sustainability. This trend aligns with consumers’ increasing preference for environmentally friendly wine production.

Innovation in winemaking technology is also playing a role. Equipment like temperature-controlled fermentation tanks helps ensure consistent quality and flavour.

Marketing efforts are focusing on promoting Cesanese as a premium product. Wine tours and tasting events are being organized to attract more enthusiasts.

Looking ahead, the demand for Cesanese is expected to rise. As awareness of this grape grows, more vineyards might start cultivating it.

Experts believe that Cesanese could stand out in the competitive wine market. Its distinctive taste and production methods offer a unique appeal to wine aficionados.

Export opportunities are expanding. More regions outside Italy are showing interest in importing Cesanese, broadening its reach and accessibility.