C iliegiolo. That’s an Italian word. It’s fun to pronounce. It’s fun to drink. And it’s one of the wines worth tasting I’m highlighting this month.

Ciliegiolo is a grape that originated in Italy, where it is found primarily, if not solely, in Tuscany, Lazio, Liguria, Puglia and Umbria. The word translated into English means “small cherry.” Its berries resemble that stone fruit and the wines made from them are redolent of cherries. It is not a variety that you are likely to have heard about on a regular basis, but those who know it are well aware of its value and importance. And since winemakers are paying more attention to it as a grape that can shine on its own, as opposed to mainly blending it with sangiovese to “soften” the latter’s profile, I hope this ancient grape will come to attr

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