Cesanese 2021, Casale del Giglio

There's a famous pasta sauce in Rome called "all'Amatriciana," and it's a quick pan sauce that includes tomato, chili flake, black pepper, and guanciale (salt-cured pork jowl). It's a simple sauce, with just enough heat from the chili, a little musky spice from the pepper, and bright tomato flavor that balances the porky richness. Are you salivating yet...? Well, imagine that dish, but in wine form, and you have Cesanese. In Italy, the traditional pairing for that bowl of pasta is indeed this exact wine, and when you crack open a bottle you can see why—the wine tastes a lot like the sauce!

It's bright, but instead of tomatoey brightness, there's blueish fruit lifted by a citrusy zip. It's complex, with a little leather and sheet metal lurking behind vegetal pepper notes. Just like a good bowl of noodles, this wine will keep you coming back for more, over and over again!

About the Winery

In the heart of Lazio, Italy, nestled near the ancient city of Satricum, lies Casale del Giglio—a winery that has transformed the region's viticulture through innovation and dedication. Founded in 1967 by Dr. Berardino Santarelli, a native of Amatrice, the estate is situated in Le Ferriere, in the province of Latina, approximately 50 kilometers south of Rome. At that time, the Agro Pontino valley was largely uncharted territory in terms of viticulture, presenting a unique opportunity for exploration and development.

In 1985, driven by a vision to unlock the region's potential, Berardino's son, Antonio Santarelli, initiated an ambitious research project. Collaborating with esteemed ampelographers and university researchers, they planted nearly 60 different experimental grape varieties on their land. This scientific endeavor, unprecedented in its scope, was led by the young enologist Paolo Tiefenthaler from Trentino. Their efforts bore fruit with significant successes in cultivating red varieties like Syrah and Petit Verdot, as well as whites such as Sauvignon, Viognier, and Petit Manseng. These varieties have since been crafted into both monovarietal wines and blends, offering exceptional quality and value.

Casale del Giglio's philosophy emphasizes the importance of exploring and harnessing the potential of lesser-known territories. They believe that the future of Italian viticulture lies not only in consolidating the image of traditional wine-producing zones but also in achieving high-quality productions with excellent value in areas previously unexplored.

The estate's flagship wine, Mater Matuta, exemplifies this innovative spirit. A rich, deep ruby-red wine, it displays outstanding personality with aromas of coffee beans, violets, ripe black cherry, coriander, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Silky and seductive, yet perfectly supported by fine tannins, Mater Matuta delivers a long, lush finish.

Through their pioneering research and commitment to excellence, Casale del Giglio has not only revitalized the Agro Pontino valley but has also made a significant mark on the broader landscape of Italian winemaking. Their journey from uncharted territory to producing world-class wines stands as a testament to the power of vision and perseverance in the world of viticulture.