2023 Antonio Camillo Ciliegiolo
Antonio Camillo is widely considered the “Ciliegiolo Whisperer” of the Tuscan coast, and his “Principio” is the perfect introduction to
Producer
Antonio Camillo
I have reviewed one wine from Antonio Camillo: the 2023 Antonio Camillo Ciliegiolo (95 points).
Antonio Camillo is the champion of the Maremma’s native grapes, above all Ciliegiolo. For decades the variety, named after ciliegia, the Italian word for cherry, was relegated to blending with Sangiovese. While others on the Tuscan coast chased international varieties, Camillo spent years scouring the Maremma for old-vine parcels of Ciliegiolo, convinced it could make fine, elegant red wine on its own.
His approach is rooted in tradition: organic farming, native-yeast fermentations and large cement tanks rather than new oak. The single-vineyard “Vigna Vallerana Alta” is spicy, bright and structured, proof that the Maremma can yield finesse rather than just power and extraction.
“Principio” is the introduction to his work, from organically farmed vineyards with warm days and cooling sea breezes. Bright, translucent ruby, it bursts with fresh red cherry, wild raspberry and pomegranate, woven with rosemary, myrtle and white pepper. Juicy and energetic, with just enough rustic tannin, it is a versatile red that shines with a light chill, from roast turkey to pizza.