Pitigliano: Ciliegiolo Grape Wine Tasting

Pitigliano: Ciliegiolo Grape Wine Tasting — An Authentic Taste of Tuscany

When it comes to exploring Tuscany’s wine scene, most travelers picture sprawling vineyards and grand estates. But this experience at Sassotondo offers something different—a focused, intimate tasting centered around the Ciliegiolo grape, one of Tuscany’s lesser-known but increasingly celebrated varieties. Over 1.5 hours, you’ll get to sample five distinct wines, each showcasing different vinification styles, paired with delicious savory pastries.

What truly makes this experience stand out is the chance to learn about organic farming practices and the volcanic influence on the wines, all in a relaxed, countryside setting. Plus, the fact that Sassotondo is part of the VolcanicWines and Independent Winegrowers circuits adds an extra layer of authenticity and pride in their craft.

One possible consideration is the weather—since tastings can be outdoors on the patio or indoors depending on the day—you’ll want to dress comfortably, especially if you enjoy exploring the vineyard beforehand. This tour is best suited for those curious about artisan, sustainable wines and looking to deepen their understanding of Tuscan terroir beyond the usual vineyards.

Key Points

• Focused on Ciliegiolo: The tour emphasizes the nuances of this flagship Tuscan grape through five distinct wines.
• Authentic & Organic: The winery has been certified organic since 1994, ensuring high-quality, environmentally friendly practices.
• Variety of vinification styles: Wines are vinified in steel, wood, and clay, offering insight into different aging techniques.
• Expert-guided experience: Led by knowledgeable guides, including enologist Attilio Pagli.
• Paired with savory pastries: Flamigni’s baked goods complement the wines perfectly.
• Impressive regional credentials: Part of VolcanicWines and Independent Winegrowers, highlighting its dedication to quality and sustainability.

An Introduction to Sassotondo’s Ciliegiolo Experience

This tasting tour at Sassotondo in Pitigliano is tailored for those who want to explore Tuscan wines beyond the classic Sangiovese. Since 1990, they’ve been cultivating the Ciliegiolo grape, an ancient variety that has been making a comeback. The owner and team, including enologist Attilio Pagli, have crafted wines that celebrate the volcanic soil of the Tuscia region, giving each bottle a distinctive character.

The experience kicks off with a visit to the underground cellar, where you’ll learn about their environmentally conscious practices—a core philosophy since they became organic-certified in 1994. The cellar visit offers an intriguing glimpse into their aging process, which respects tradition while experimenting with different vinification methods.

Following this, the focus shifts to tasting—five wines that span a spectrum of styles, from old-style rosé to sophisticated, aged reds. Each wine is a window into the versatility of Ciliegiolo and the innovative approaches the winery employs. Pairings of savory pastries from Flamigni add a culinary dimension, making the tasting not just about the wine but also about regional flavors.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Start at the vineyard: The tour begins with a guided walk through the vineyard, lasting around 15 minutes. Here, you’ll see the organic cultivation practices firsthand and get a sense of the landscape—rolling hills dotted with volcanic tufo rock.

Visit the cellar: Next, there’s a 15-minute tour inside the underground cellar. This space is vital for understanding how the wines are aged and vinified. The guides are eager to share details about their eco-friendly practices—think minimal intervention, natural aging, and sustainable viticulture.

Tasting session: Over the next hour, you’ll sample five wines, each made from Ciliegiolo but crafted in different ways. You’ll learn how long maceration in terracotta, steel fermentation, wood aging, and gentle vinification influence the flavors. The standout is the San Lorenzo, their prize-winning flagship—a bold, expressive old vine wine.

Shopping opportunity: After tasting, there’s a brief opportunity to purchase bottles directly from the winery, perfect for bringing a piece of Tuscany home.

Final notes: Depending on the weather, the tasting can be outdoors, which adds to the relaxed, scenic vibe, or indoors in a cozy room. The tour is capped at a size that ensures personalized attention, making it ideal for wine lovers seeking a deeper understanding of artisan Tuscan wines.

The Wines and Pairings

Each of the five wines reveals a facet of Ciliegiolo’s potential:

• Lady Marmalade: An old-style rosé that captures the grape’s delicate, fruity side.
• Sassotondo Rosso: Their everyday red, versatile and approachable.
• Poggio Pinzo: A more experimental wine vinified in terracotta vessels, emphasizing terracotta’s ability to bring out the grape’s earthy qualities.
• Monte Calvo: A softer, peppery style made with gentle vinification, highlighting spice and finesse.
• San Lorenzo: The flagship, made from old vines, offering complexity, depth, and elegance.

The savory pastries from Flamigni complement these wines beautifully, enhancing their flavors without overpowering. The pairing elevates the tasting into a culinary experience, emphasizing regional ingredients and craftsmanship.

Practical Details

The cost of $71 per person provides good value considering the personalized guided tour, five wine tastings, and pairing of savory pastries. The duration of 1.5 hours makes it a manageable excursion, perfect for fitting into a day of exploring the Tuscan countryside.

The tour is offered in English and Italian, with live guides who are knowledgeable and approachable, eager to share their passion. We appreciate that cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance, offering flexibility for travel plans.

Accessibility and Comfort

Since tastings can be outdoors or indoors, dressing comfortably is advisable—think casual outdoor attire. The environment is relaxed, with an emphasis on connecting with nature and understanding sustainable practices. The winery’s setting provides scenic views of the Tuscan landscape, making the experience not just about wine but also about soaking up the countryside vibe.

Why This Tour Is Worth Considering

This experience is perfect for travelers who want to go beyond the usual Tuscan wine tours. If you’re interested in artisan, organic wines, or curious about lesser-known grape varieties like Ciliegiolo, you’ll find this both educational and enjoyable. It’s also a good fit for those who appreciate small-group tours and personalized attention, rather than large, commercial tastings.

The focus on sustainable practices and environmentally friendly winemaking adds an extra layer of value, especially for eco-conscious travelers. Plus, the pairing with regional pastries offers a taste of local culinary craftsmanship.

Who Should Consider This Experience?

• Wine enthusiasts eager to explore artisan and organic wines.
• Travelers interested in Tuscan terroir and the influence of volcanic soils.
• Those who prefer intimate, guided experiences over large, impersonal tours.
• Visitors looking for a relaxing countryside setting with scenic views.
• Foodies who enjoy regional pairings and artisanal baked goods.
• Eco-conscious travelers looking to support sustainable winemaking.
• Travelers with flexible schedules, since the tour offers a good balance of education and leisure in a short time span.
• Anyone curious about innovative vinification techniques, such as terracotta and clay aging.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for non-Italian speakers?
Yes. The tour is offered in both Italian and English, with live guides who can communicate clearly in both languages.

How long is the total experience?
The tasting lasts approximately 1.5 hours, including the vineyard visit, cellar tour, tasting, and shopping time.

What should I wear?
Comfortable outdoor clothing is recommended, especially if you want to explore the vineyard. Depending on the weather, outdoor attire might be preferable.

Can I buy wines directly from the winery?
Yes, there is a shopping segment at the end of the tour, allowing you to purchase bottles to take home.

Is the tasting indoors or outdoors?
It depends on the weather. Tastings can take place under the patio or in the air-conditioned room for comfort.

What wines will I taste?
You will sample five wines, including a rosé, a daily red, a terracotta maceration, a gentle vinified wine, and the flagship old vine wine.

Are the wines organic?
Yes. The winery has been certified organic since 1994, emphasizing their commitment to sustainable practices.

Is this experience good for children or non-drinkers?
Since it’s a wine tasting, it’s primarily for adults. However, children might enjoy the scenic vineyard surroundings, but tastings are generally adults-focused.

What makes this experience unique compared to other wine tours?
Its focus on Ciliegiolo, artisan techniques, and the volcanic soil influence offers a distinctive perspective on Tuscany’s wine diversity, along with personalized attention in a relaxed countryside setting.

Final Thoughts

This Ciliegiolo wine tasting at Sassotondo offers a genuine peek into Tuscan craft wine, emphasizing sustainability, innovation, and regional character. With its intimate scale and focus on artisanal vinification, it provides a meaningful experience for those wanting to understand the nuances of Tuscany’s lesser-known grapes.

It’s especially well-suited for travelers who value authentic, eco-friendly wineries and want a relaxed, educational experience away from the crowds. The pairing with savory pastries enhances the tasting, making it more than just wine—it’s a little culinary journey.

For anyone keen to explore Tuscany’s diverse terroirs and learn about traditional yet innovative winemaking, this tour is a worthwhile addition to your trip. Plus, the scenic vineyard surroundings and warm hospitality make it a memorable highlight—one that pairs perfectly with a day of discovery in this enchanting region.