Wines made from Ciliegiolo grapes of Sicily
Discover the best wines made with Ciliegiolo as a single variety or as a blend of Sicily.
More informations about the variety Ciliegiolo
It is believed to be of Spanish origin. Today it is very present in Tuscany and in many other Italian regions where it is often blended with sangiovese to produce the famous Chianti. According to recent genetic analysis, it is the father of the said sangiovese, its mother being an almost unknown variety called calabrese di Montenuovo. - Synonymy: ciliegino, ciregiuolo or cireguoli, aleatico di spagna (for all the synonyms of the grape varieties, click here!). - Description: medium to large bunches, cylindrical-conical, winged, compact, strong medium-sized stalks with very little lignification; medium-sized, round berries, skin of medium thickness, very bluish-black with sometimes purplish reflections, juicy pulp. - Production potential: buds early in the year, only a few days after Chasselas. It is particularly fond of not too poor hillside soils. Vigorous, productive and regular, it should however be pruned in relation to the fact that its base eyes are not very fertile. Sensitive to wind, mildew, powdery mildew, acid rot and grey rot. Resistant to drought. Ripening 2nd period late. - Wine type/flavours: gives a full and supple wine with soft tannins, rich in alcohol, of a more or less dark ruby colour with in some cases purplish tints. Aromas of cinnamon, cherry, blueberry, spicy notes, plum, fresh grapes, liquorice, tobacco, vanilla, ... .
More informations about the region of Sicily
Sicily is the Southernmost region of Italy, and the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. For over 2500 years, Sicily (Sicilia in Italian) has been an important centre of Mediterranean viticulture, although the reputation and style of its wines have changed considerably over time. The island was once best known for its Sweet muscatels (see Pantelleria), and later for its fortified Marsala. Today, many of its best-known wines are Dry table wines produced under the regional designation IGT Terre Siciliane, or Sicilia DOC (see below).