Pitigliano: Ciliegiolo Grape Wine Tasting

This 1.5-hour wine tasting experience in Pitigliano, Tuscany, offers a deep dive into the distinctive Ciliegiooilo grape, with 5 carefully curated wines paired with savory pastries. For $71 per person, visitors get an engaging journey through artisan wines crafted amidst the volcanic tufo rock landscape, guided by experts who share insights into sustainable practices and unique vinification techniques.

The tour’s highlight is the opportunity to sample limited editions and flagship wines like San Lorenzo, a prize-winning old vine Ciliegiooilo. The experience is perfect for wine lovers eager to discover the nuances of this flagship Tuscan grape, with a relaxed pace that includes a visit to the winery’s underground cellar and thoughtful explanations of organic and eco-friendly practices.

While the tour emphasizes education and appreciation of different vinification methods, it also offers a chance to enjoy local savory pastries from Flamigni, enhancing the tasting experience. The setting is charming, whether under the patio or in the air-conditioned tasting room, depending on the weather, making it comfortably accessible in any season.

Key Points

• Authentic Ciliegiooilo tasting: Experience five wines made from this flagship Tuscan grape, including rare editions and a prize-winner.
• Organic since 1994: The winery has been certified organic for nearly three decades, emphasizing sustainability.
• Expert-led tour: Guided visits include a walk through the underground cellar and vineyard, with explanations of eco-friendly practices.
• Diverse vinification techniques: The wines showcase steel, wood, and clay aging methods, illustrating the versatility of Ciliegiooilo.
• Tasty pairings: The wines are complemented by savory pastries from Flamigni, enhancing the tasting.
• Accessible and flexible: The tour takes place either outdoors under the patio or indoor, depending on weather conditions.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Origins of Ciliegiooilo in Pitigliano

The winery has been cultivating ciliegiolo grapes in Pitigliano since 1990. Starting in 1997, they began producing wines exclusively from ciliegiolo, with the help of enologist Attilio Pagli. The climate and volcanic tufo rock soil contribute unique characteristics to each wine, giving them a distinct Tuscan identity rooted in the area’s natural environment.

This long-standing relationship with ciliegiolo results in a broad collection of vinified styles, from old style rosé to vinified in clay vessels. The collaboration with an experienced enologist ensures a focus on quality and expressing the vineyard’s volcanic terroir.

Underground Cellar and Eco-Friendly Practices

The tour begins with a visit to the underground cellar, where the winery’s environmentally friendly practices are explained. Visitors learn how the winery maintains organic certification and employs sustainable techniques in both the vineyard and cellar.

The cellar’s cool, dark environment supports the aging of wines in various vessels, including steel, wood, and clay. This setting illustrates the winery’s dedication to eco-conscious craftsmanship, minimizing environmental impact while preserving the integrity of each vintage.

Tasting Five Distinct Ciliegiooilo Wines

The core of the experience involves sampling five wines, each crafted with ciliegiolo grapes using different vinification methods:

• Lady Marmalade: An old style rosé, showcasing the traditional side of ciliegiolo.
• Sassotondo Rosso: The everyday red wine, smooth and versatile.
• Poggio Pinzo: Crafted with long maceration on skins in terracotta vessels, highlighting natural fermentation.
• Monte Calvo: A gentle vinification, producing a peppery profile.
• San Lorenzo: The flagship, made from old vines, a prize-winner and an icon of the winery.

Each wine is paired with savory pastries from Flamigni, carefully selected to match the wines’ profiles and enhance the tasting experience.

Vinification Techniques and Their Effects

The wines demonstrate various approaches to vinification and aging. For example, Poggio Pinzo undergoes long maceration in terracotta, which imparts unique mineral qualities. Meanwhile, Monte Calvo is vinified in a way that emphasizes the peppery notes of ciliegiolo, providing a different tasting profile.

These techniques showcase the versatility of ciliegiolo and how different aging vessels influence flavor and aroma, giving visitors a comprehensive understanding of winemaking possibilities for this grape.

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The Setting: From the Vineyard to the Tasting Room

The entire experience involves a guided tour that takes visitors from the vineyard to the cellar, with a 15-minute walk through the countryside of rural Tuscia. The setting emphasizes the connection between the land and the wine, making the tour more immersive.

Depending on the weather, tastings are held outdoors under the patio or inside in a comfortable, air-conditioned space. The relaxed atmosphere encourages conversation and appreciation of the wines and surroundings.

Visiting the Vineyard and Winery

The guided vineyard tour lasts about 15 minutes, giving insight into the organic cultivation of ciliegiolo grapes. The winery tour follows, also lasting 15 minutes, where the facilities and cellar practices are explained.

The focus on sustainable cultivation and environmental practices is evident throughout the visit, highlighting the winery’s commitment to eco-friendly wine production since 1994.

Wine Shopping and Additional Insights

After the tasting, visitors have about 10 minutes to browse the wine shop. Here, bottles of limited editions and flagship wines like San Lorenzo are available for purchase, allowing guests to take home a piece of this unique experience.

The shop offers an opportunity to explore more of the winery’s offerings, including any special or rare vintages, perfect for wine enthusiasts wanting to extend their visit.

Practical Details and Booking

This wine tasting tour is available with live guides speaking Italian and English, ensuring clear explanations regardless of language preference. The full refund policy allows for cancellations up to 24 hours before the scheduled experience.

This experience provides a relaxed, educational look into Tuscany’s volcanic terroir, artisan winemaking, and the unique ciliegiolo grape, making it ideal for those interested in authentic, sustainable wine production.

Exploring Similar Experiences in Tuscany

While this tour offers a focused look at ciliegiolo wines, other nearby experiences include visits to Saturnia waterfalls, Etruscan tombs, hiking through Vie Cave, and volcanic wine tastings in Maremma. These can complement a broader exploration of Tuscany’s diverse natural and historical sites.

Pitigliano: Ciliegiolo Wine Tasting – The Ideal Choice

This tasting experience at Sassotondo shines with its combination of vintage wines, sustainable practices, and an intimate setting. It is well-suited for wine lovers curious about Tuscan grapes, especially ciliegiolo, and interested in understanding artisan techniques.

While the 1.5-hour duration and moderate price make it accessible, the real draw is the chance to taste rare wines made with a long-standing commitment to quality and eco-consciousness. Visitors should come prepared for a leisurely stroll through the countryside and a personalized exploration of Tuscan winemaking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of the ciliegiolo wine tasting tour?
The tour costs $71 per person.

How long does the experience last?
It lasts about 1.5 hours, including the vineyard visit, cellar tour, and tasting.

What wines are included in the tasting?
Guests sample 5 wines, including Lady Marmalade, Sassotondo Rosso, Poggio Pinzo, Monte Calvo, and San Lorenzo.

Are the wines paired with food?
Yes, the wines are paired with savory pastries from Flamigni.

Is the winery environmentally friendly?
Yes, the winery has been certified organic since 1994 and emphasizes eco-friendly practices in both vineyard and cellar.

Can the tour be canceled?
Yes, cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What languages are available for the tour?
Guides speak Italian and English.

Is there an opportunity to purchase wines?
Yes, the wine shop offers bottles, including limited editions and flagship wines like San Lorenzo.

Where does the tour start?
The experience begins at Sassotondo cantina e vigneti, where visitors are guided through the vineyard and cellar.

Is prior wine knowledge necessary?
No, the tour is designed to be accessible for all levels, with explanations suitable for beginners and enthusiasts alike.

What should I wear?
Comfortable outdoor clothing is recommended, especially if visiting the vineyard, but the tasting room offers indoor options.

Can I visit in any season?
Yes, the tours are adaptable to weather, with tastings either outdoors or indoors.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby