The Maison Belles Côtes of Menetou-Salon of Loire Valley

Discover the grape 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, ... .