2023 Bisson Ciliegiolo Rosato

Aromas of bright marasca cherry, wild strawberry, and pomegranate integrate with savory notes of dried Mediterranean herbs and a distinct saline minerality. The palate is medium-bodied and juicy, featuring a core of tart red berries and a refreshing, citrus-like energy. It displays a vibrant acidity and a light phenolic grip that leads to a clean finish marked by a stony mineral tension and a mouthwatering, dry snap.

Winemaker Pierluigi Lugano utilizes 100% Ciliegiolo, an indigenous grape variety closely related to Sangiovese. The fruit is hand-harvested from steeply sloped vineyards and undergoes a brief maceration of roughly 24 to 48 hours to achieve its characteristic deep, cherry-pink hue. Fermentation occurs at controlled temperatures in stainless steel vats to preserve the fresh, high-toned aromatics. The wine is aged on its fine lees in stainless steel until bottling, a process that adds a subtle layer of texture while maintaining the purity and brightness of the mountain fruit.

The fruit is grown in the Golfo del Tigullio - Portofino region of Liguria, Italy. The site is defined by its dramatic coastal cliffs and steeply terraced vineyards that rise high above the Mediterranean Sea. The soils are primarily composed of calcareous clay and limestone, which contribute to the wine’s signature structural tension and salty finish. This rugged, maritime environment requires significant manual labor, as the extreme terrain makes mechanization impossible, resulting in a wine that is a direct reflection of the challenging, sun-drenched Ligurian coast.