Leonardo Bussoletti 2021 Brecciaro Ciliegiolo Narni

The Wine

This wine is 100% Ciliegiolo from the Brecciaro region (breh chee AHH doh) which is where most of the estate’s vineyards are found.

This is a perfect example of why we're fans of wines fermented with native yeasts in stainless steel, wines that avoid fining and filtration when possible and are aged on the fine lees for 12 months in neutral vessels (in this case, 70% in stainless steel and 30% in large oak botti).

This is Bussoletti’s most classic interpretation of Ciliegiolo, expressing a remarkable balance between the density of the berry aromas and the elegance of the acidity closing in on the palate. One of our favorite everyday wines!

A close relative of Sangiovese (possibly an offspring), Ciliegiolo is an ancient grape variety grown in Umbria, Tuscany, and Liguria. Bursting with aromas of cherry (ciliegia means cherry in Italian), Ciliegiolo yields elegant, medium-bodied, versatile red wines that are a pure joy to drink. At it's best when slightly chilled to 55-60° F - about 45 minutes in the fridge (longer if your home is warm, shorter when it's cold!)

The Winery

For over 25 years, Leonardo Bussoletti has been growing and nurturing the classic native grape varieties of Umbria: Ciliegiolo, Grechetto, Trebbiano Spoletino and several different Malvasias.

Driven by his desire to protect and promote the heritage of these grape varieties and their historical importance for his beloved region of Umbria. All his wines are made according to 2 basic principles: practice certified organic and sustainable farming and artisanal fermentations with native yeasts (using the pied de cuve method). All his wines express the unique varietal character and their interaction with the climate and soils of Umbria.

Bussoletti's beautiful new winery facility is located near the medieval hilltop town of Narni (or Narnia in Latin), which gave C.S.Lewis the inspiration for his famous fantasy novel The Chronicles of Narnia. The Ciliegiolo grape, now quite rare, has been grown around Narni for centuries, its importance and historical relevance are protected by the Narni Ciliegiolo IGT appellation.

Bussoletti’s ASLA label celebrates Ciliegiolo’s historical presence around this town, and it is a homage to Aslan, the main character in the Chronicles of Narnia.