Cesanese

Cesanese is an ancient red Italian grape that is mainly cultivated in Lazio. The grape is finicky to grow since it ripens late, but with the right approach, it can result in excellent red wines. There are three known Cesanese clones, Cesanese Comune (the preferred choice in the region), Cesanese d’Affile, and the recently discovered Cesanese Nostrano.

Cesanese is a versatile grape, but it typically creates fruity and fresh wines with soft tannins and good acidity. It is quite aromatic, usually displaying fruity, floral, and sometimes earthy notes reminiscent of mulberries, cherries, and pepper.

Most examples are best enjoyed young. These wines would go well with local meat specialties, especially lamb, red meat, or game dishes.  The grape was named after Cesano, a village located south of Rome in the Castelli Romani. Three most important Cesanese appellations are Cesanese del Piglio DOCG, Cesanese di Olevano Romano DOC, and Cesanese di Affile DOC. Previously, the grape was often used to produce sweet and sparkling styles, but that tradition has mainly disappeared.