Antonio Camillo is a Ciliegiolo specialist. This ancient variety, genetically related to Sangiovese, thrives in the alto Maremma and Antonio produces a wine from organically grown and ICEAcertified forty year old vines. Made without oak, this is brimming with fresh red cherry, raspberry and blueberry fruit with floral notes, the palate is ripe with refreshing acidity that calls for something on the grill, Tuscan style.
Antonio Camillo was born and bred in the Maremma region along Tuscany’s Tyrrhenian coast. He chose his homeland, specifically the area of the Maremma alta, to make wines “that can talk about their terroir and that can be easily recognizable for their character and their class”. He chose to work primarily with Ciliegiolo, an ancient variety genetically related to Sangiovese and began searching for old vine vineyards, eventually buying 6 hectares in Manciano, a medieval town literally just steps from the Saturnia hot springs. These hot springs have been popular since Etruscan times, but wine-wise, it means that the volcanic soil is rich in nutrients. The variety Ciliegiolo – ciliegia means cherry – was often used in Tuscany as a blending component for its cherry scented vibrant fruit. Antonio, believing in the grape in its own right, produces a wine from organically grown and ICEA-certified forty year old Ciliegiolo vines, showing fresh, bright red cherry, raspberry and blueberry fruit with floral notes. The palate is ripe and almost zesty with refreshing acidity that calls for something on the grill, Tuscan style.