Cesanese

This red grape variety originates from Italy. Synonyms are Bambino, Bombino Nero, Bonvino Nero, Cesanese ad Acino Grosso, Cesanese ad Acino Piccolo, Cesanese del Piglio, Cesaanese d'Affile, Cesanese di Affile, Cesanese d'Olevano, Cesanese Nostrano, Cesanese Velletrano, Cezanese Nero, Ferrigno Nero, Mangiatoria, Nero Ferrigno, Sancinella, Sanginella, Sanguinella and Uva di Affile. According to one hypothesis, it is supposedly descended from the ancient Alveola variety. The variety was mentioned by the Italian agronomist Giovanni Soderini (1526-1596) under the name Cesenese, which was grown around Florence in Tuscany as well as in Lazio around Acerbi. The name is probably derived from the commune of Cesano south of Rome. There are two varieties, Cesanese Comune (Bonvino Nero) and the smaller-grape Cesanese d'Affile, which is considered higher quality. Both names are explicitly stated in some DOC/DOC regulations. This late-ripening, high-yielding vine is susceptible to powdery mildew. It yields fruity red wines with velvety tannins and aromas of mulberry and pimento (clove pepper). The variety is permitted in the Lazio region in the DOC/DOCG wines Cerveteri, Cesanese del Piglio, Cesanese di Affile, Cesanese di Olevano Romano, Cori, Roma and Velletri, and in the Umbria region in the DOC wines Lago di Corbara and Rosso Orvietano. Only tiny areas exist in Tuscany and Sicily. In 2016, 446 hectares of vines were designated under the Cesanese name, with a sharp downward trend (Kym Anderson).