Casale del Giglio, Lazio IGP (Italy) Cesanese 2021 ($20, Maverick Wine Company)

The Cesanese grape is grown in the hills around Rome. At its best, it can be a rich red wine with ripe fruit and a bit of a rustic style that reflects its origin. Although it is sometimes difficult to ripen, Cesanese can yield an aromatic and lively wine when grown in the right spot. Casale de Giglio clearly has a good source for the grape. Their 2021 Cesanese shows blackberry, black cherry and red cherry fruit aromas that are enhanced by elements of herbs, smoke, vanilla, and spice. This Cesanese offers a rich texture, with layers of black and red fruits backed by herbs, black pepper, and allspice tones plus a zesty raspberry lilt at the finish. Delicious now, the 2021 Casale del Giglio Cesanese will age nicely for another 3 to 5 years.
91 Wayne Belding