2020 Damiano Ciolli 'Silene' Cesanese d'Olevano Romano

Before Damiano took over the estate in 2001, the Ciolli had tended these vineyards in the Olevano Romano for 3 generations. His predecessors sold the grapes for bulk wine production. Damiano's vision was quite different, and he has since farmed the vineyards organically and biodynamically and focused all his efforts in making high quality, artisanal wines made from the Cesanese grape. Until recently it was the only grape variety he cultivated 

His long time partner, Letizia, earned her PhD in grapevine physiology and winemaking- she is the other half to this incredible duo, to say the least, and is as involved in the winery as he.

The Silene is 100% Cesanese d’Affile grapes blended from different vineyards, vines are on average 30 years old. Grapes are handpicked, only when the maturation has reached the optimal level. Each block is fermented separately in concrete vats by natural fermentation, maceration length is about 10 days. Silene is aged in concrete vats for 1 year before it is bottled.