Damiano Ciolli 2023 Lazio Rosso Franc(o). Lazio

Smooth and approachable Cabernet Franc from volcanic hills outside of Rome. I poured this charming red in a private home recently and it won the night! The Franc(o) opens earthy on the nose yet has a smooth and layered palate of dark fruit with a touch of green culinary herb. The Ciolli family hails from Olevano Romano, a hilly area south of Rome with old volcanic soils. Damiano spent time in Europe learning technique from celebrated winemakers before returning in 2001 to take over the family winery, ending the practice of selling off grapes to local wineries. Damiano is joined by his partner Letizia Rocchi, a PhD in grapevine physiology and winemaking. Together, they work organically in the vineyard and naturally in the winery to produce wines of pure varietal character.

• WINEMAKER: Damiano Ciolli + Letizia Rocchi
• VARIETAL: Cabernet Franc
• APPELLATION: Olevano Romano
• REGION: Lazio
• VINEYARD: organic
• WINERY: 4 day maceration, concrete aged
• ABV: 13.5
• SERVE: Stand open in bottle for 30m