Cesanese di Olevano Romano

Styles

Principal grape varieties

Terroir

• The white and tan limestones with organogenic and detrital components, derived from the remains of bivalves and calcareous algae, constitute the most important morphological element of the Olevano Romano territory.
• The argillaceous-arenaceous formation, composed of an alternation of clays and sandstones whose bedding transitions from stratified to massive toward the top, makes up almost the entire territory of Olevano Romano.
• The Quaternary volcanic rocks, consisting of scoria interbedded with pumice and ash deposits derived from multiple explosive phases of the Vulcano Laziale, overlie the older formations and are rich in nutrients for agriculture.
• The vineyards are situated between 211 and 571 metres above sea level, with variable slopes and a general aspect oriented toward the west and south-west.
• The climate is temperate, with intensely cold winters, a mean temperature below 10 °C for five to six months of the year, a mean minimum temperature in the coldest month of between 0.1 and 1.3 °C, and an annual mean temperature ranging from 12.0 to 13.6 °C.

• The Statuta Olibani, issued on 15 January 1364, regulated the life of the Castro Olibana and contained chapters establishing the areas to be devoted to vineyard and the rules governing the harvest.
• The grape varieties permitted for production are those traditionally cultivated in the area, namely Cesanese di Affile and Cesanese Comune, which together must account for at least 85% of the ampelographic composition.

• The Cesanese di Olevano Romano base and Superiore types display a ruby-red colour with violet highlights, an intense nose with floral and fruity notes of berries and stone fruits, and a dry, harmonious palate of appropriate body.
• The Riserva style acquires with ageing a ruby-red colour with garnet highlights, and an intense, persistent nose in which floral and fruity notes give way to spiced or phenolic characters attributable to wood.

• The climate, with abundant rainfall, sufficient summer precipitation, and a high diurnal temperature range, allows the grapes to ripen slowly and fully, contributing to the organoleptic characteristics of the wine.

Facts drawn from the specification's terroir-link section by automatic interpretation — see the source.

All appellations in Italy

Sources

• eAmbrosia register (EU) — File number PDO-IT-A0699