Cesanese D'Affile

Grape variety	Cesanese D'Affile
Synonyms	Cesanese Comune, Cesanese di Affile Piccolo, Cesanese di Piglio
Grape colour	Red grape
History	Cesanese D'Affile is an ancient grape variety that traces its roots back to Roman times. It is believed that the grape was cultivated in the Affile region in Italy even before the 10th century BC. Historical references suggest that notable Roman emperors such as Nero and Trajan favored the wine produced from this grape, establishing their vineyards in Affile. The earliest written documentation of Cesanese D'Affile's existence and its medicinal attributes is credited to Rutilio Scotti in the 17th century.
Ampelographic features	The Cesanese D'Affile vine features small, pentagonal leaves, often displaying three or five lobes. The leaf surface is arachnoid, with lobes demonstrating right-angle corners. Its main veins are green and arachnoid on the lower surface. The grape clusters are medium to small, cylindrical, and often winged. The grapes are small, spherical, and display a regular circular cross-section. They possess a medium-thick, prune-like, black-blue peel. The pulp is colorless, with a straightforward flavor. The peduncles are short, medium-sized with a pink hue. The knots are also small, medium-sized, and pink, while the brush is short, thin, and pink. The grapes are easily separated from the pedicel.
Characteristics of the wine	Wine produced from the Cesanese D'Affile grape variety is characterized by its rich alcoholic content and ruby color, which tends to deepen to garnet as it ages. The aromatic profile is subtle yet complex, with hints of berries, particularly blueberries, punctuated by spicy and floral undertones, including violets. On the palate, the wine is well-structured and firm, counterbalancing the tannic and bitter aftertaste with the delicate aroma.