Ciliegiolo
Ciliegiolo is a red grape variety found in central and northwestern Italy, that is seeing a resurgence in popularity in regions such as Liguria and Tuscany. It is commonly used in red wines from western Italian DOCs such as Chianti, Colli di Luni and Montecarlo, and has become increasingly popular in varietal IGT wines since 2000. The grape gets its name from the Italian word for cherry, which it resembles in color and aroma. Ciliegiolo grapes are prized for their freshness and lively character, which makes them an excellent addition to wines that would otherwise need cellaring. In the vineyard, Ciliegiolo grapes are prone to mildew diseases and require attentive viticulture.