Notes from the Road: How to make friends
I tend to think of the world as a big place — especially when traveling. Full days spent flying, hours on the road, new people, language barriers, unknown histories, foods, and wines to discover.
And then sometimes, you stumble across a bottle of wine, and suddenly the world feels a lot smaller.
I've just departed Sicily and landed in the Marche — a quiet province on the Adriatic coast, east of the Apennines from Umbria. I spent a semester abroad here years ago, and it's a place I've always loved. It's known for spectacular whites, Verdicchio above all, but the reds have a long and serious history too — Merlot, Sangiovese, and the occasional surprise.
I've tracked down a talented winemaker named Umberto, working in Matelica and making some genuinely impressive stuff. What I didn't expect: Ciliegiolo.
The grape is unheard of in the Marche, and even Umberto was originally told the old vines were Sangiovese when he bought the vineyard — until he consulted with the University of Ancona, who confirmed otherwise. When he showed me the parcel, I had to mention our friends Carla and Edouard of Sassotondo, the Maremma estate that's made Ciliegiolo their calling card.
He lit up. "Oh, you know them? Edouard and Carla are good friends."
Small world. Good wine. Big community.
Umberto's work will be coming our way as soon as I can manage, but as I sat tasting his Ciliegiolo, I realized we don't have to wait — we have Sassotondo's Rosso, their flagship Ciliegiolo, available for you right now.
Sassotondo
Ciliegolo 2023
Pure unadulterated Cilegiolo, and the flagship of Carla and Edoardo's work with this grape. Chances are this was Umberto’s introduction to Sassotondo. From a selection of parcels throughout the property, the grapes undergo a two-week maceration to extract ripe fruit flavors and chewy tannins, then aged in stainless steel tanks for that pure fruit freshness. This is bursting with crunchy red fruits, plum, licorice, and a hint of ground white pepper. Umberto confirmed that Ciliegolo is the kind of wine that takes a chill and can be enjoyed fresh as the sun begins to come out. A beautifuly versatile wine.
It seems that everywhere I go, I make new friends who know my old ones. It’s a wonderful way to experience the country. Here’s a thought, if you want to make some friends, pick up a bottle of Sassotondo and share it with someone.