Damiano Ciolli became the fourth generation of his family in charge of his family’s vineyards in 2001, which he works alongside his partner Letizia Rocchi. Like many children in winemaking families, he spent his youth on a kind of grand tour of European vineyards, and he returned to his home with new ideas about organic viticulture and restrained elaboration in the winery. 

The estate is in the Olevano commune, but the vineyard is planted with the finer, more delicate clone called Cesanese d’Affile – more commonly found in the neighboring DOC of the same name (we are aware this is confusing). Planted in pure, friable, red volcanic clay at about 450 meters elevation, the vineyard faces southeast. In the carefully calibrated world of viticulture, this means vines get relatively more light before the sun has warmed the air up, giving just the slightest preference to flavor development over sugar build-up. Thus, this late ripening grapevine gives Damiano and Letizia grapes with reliably complex flavors at relatively modest alcohol levels.

Nose shows red cherry and strawberry, basalt soil and clay marl, roses and violets, wild mountain thyme, orange peel. Palate is fleshy, nice tannins that are substantial. Cherries, orange, and smoky soil. Burst of acidity on finish, refreshing, and dusty earth on finish.