Antonio Camillo is widely considered the "Ciliegiolo Whisperer" of the Tuscan coast, and his "Principio" is the perfect introduction to his masterful touch. For decades, Ciliegiolo (named after ciliegia, the Italian word for cherry) was relegated to a blending partner for Sangiovese. Antonio, however, championed this variety as a solo star, scouring the Maremma for old vines that capture the wild, herbal beauty of the Mediterranean scrub. "Principio" marks the beginning of this journey, crafted from organically farmed vineyards that benefit from warm days and cooling sea breezes.
In the glass, the wine pours a bright, translucent ruby that glows with energy. True to its name, the nose is a festive explosion of fresh red cherries, wild raspberries, and pomegranate, woven together with distinct notes of Mediterranean herbs like rosemary, myrtle, and a touch of white pepper.
On the palate, this is the ultimate "glou-glou" wine—fresh, energetic, and bursting with crunchy red fruit flavors. Offers a juicy texture with just enough rustic tannin to keep it interesting. It is the ultimate holiday crowd-pleaser because of its versatility; it pairs effortlessly with everything from a traditional roast turkey and cranberry sauce to a casual Tuesday night pizza. Serve it with a slight chill to really make those bright fruit flavors pop!
2023 Antonio Camillo Ciliegiolo
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.