Cesanese del Piglio

🇮🇹 Italy

DOCG Rare find

DOCG 2008 - Lazio's ONLY red DOCG, indigenous Cesanese grape, "King of wines" by Medieval Popes, Roman/Etruscan origins, Ernici Hills iron-oxide soils

Region profile

History

Ancient origins possibly Etruscan, definitely Roman - Romans coined term "caesae" (cleared forest) where they planted vines. Monks preserved winemaking after Roman Empire fall in various Ciociaria monasteries. Medieval period: Popes Innocenzo III (1161-1216) and Bonifacio VIII (1235-1303) declared Cesanese "king of wines" at papal banquets. Papal States produced wine for centuries. 2008: Cesanese del Piglio became DOCG - Lazio's first and only red DOCG, confirming historic reputation. Coletti Conti family has owned property near Anagni for 800+ years. Modern quality led by producers like Damiano Ciolli who has elevated regional recognition.

Climate
Continental with Mediterranean influence; Ernici Hills (Monti Ernici) 30 miles east of Rome; Ciociaria district Frosinone province; vineyards 250-600m altitude; significant diurnal temperature variation; red clay soils high in iron oxide; 680 acres (275 hectares) total vineyard; 108 hectares producing DOCG 2017; 5 municipalities including Piglio, Anagni, Acuto, Serrone, Paliano
Signature wines
Cesanese del Piglio Superiore DOCG (Damiano Ciolli Cirsium - modern benchmark, natural winemaking; Coletti Conti Romanico/Hernicum - 800-year family estate; Casale della Ioria; Cantina Sociale; Pileum); ruby to garnet; aromatic (black pepper, fresh herbs, red cherry, plum, licorice); velvety tannins; spicy finish; 13-14% alcohol; ages 8-15 years; pairs with Roman lamb (abbacchio), game, mature cheeses
What sets it apart
Lazio's ONLY red DOCG (2008); indigenous Cesanese grape found almost nowhere else; Medieval Popes' "king of wines" (Innocenzo III, Bonifacio VIII); Roman "caesae" etymology (cleared forest vineyards); Ernici Hills iron-rich red clay terroir; Coletti Conti 800+ year family ownership; 30 miles from Rome but undiscovered; Damiano Ciolli modern quality leader; spicy aromatics unlike other Italian reds

Facts

  • DOCG 2008 (Lazio's ONLY red DOCG)
  • name from Latin "caesae" = cleared forest areas where Romans planted vines
  • Medieval Popes Innocenzo III and Bonifacio VIII called it "king of wines"
  • 108 hectares producing DOCG (2017)
  • 5 municipalities Frosinone province
  • Consorzio di Tutela oversees ~20 small wineries
  • Cantina Sociale produces ~250,000 bottles/year
  • leading producers: Damiano Ciolli (modern benchmark), Coletti Conti (800+ years family ownership near Anagni), Casale della Ioria (Marcella Giuliani), Cantina Sociale Cesanese del Piglio, Pileum