Cesanese di Olevano Romano

The Protected Designation of Origin "Cesanese di Olevano Romano" or "Olevano Romano", includes, in addition to the basic version of the homonymous wine also its variants Amabile, Dolce, Dolce frizzante, Superiore and Riserva.

Grapes

For the production of Olevano Romano wines is required the presence, for a share of not less than 85%, of grapes from Cesanese vines of Affile or Cesanese common. For the remaining part, up to a maximum of 15%, other red grapes suitable for cultivation in Lazio may also be used.

Physicochemical and Organoleptic properties

Cesanese di Olevano Romano (12% vol.) is a red wine with a ruby red hue, enriched with violet reflections. The smell that emanates is characteristic and delicate and is associated with a full-bodied, dry, soft and harmonious taste. In the Amabile variant (11% vol. ) the colour takes on purple reflections while the flavour becomes amabile. The Dolce (9% vol.), also produced in the Sparkling version, has a bright red aspect, with purple reflections. The smell is delicate and characteristic, the taste harmonious and sweet. In Olevano Romano Superiore (12.5% vol.) and Riserva (13% vol.), on the other hand, the ruby colour tends to garnet when aged. The aroma becomes intense, the dry taste harmonious and velvety.

Grape production area

The production area falls mainly in the municipality of Olevano Romano and partly in that of Genazzano. This is a portion of central eastern Lazio, on the slopes of the Simbruini Mountains, characterized by wide valleys, such as the Upper Sacco Valley. The climate is temperate, with very abundant average annual rainfall.

Specificity and historical notes

Viticulture in the area of Olevano Romano, present since Roman times, has never lost its continuity, even in periods of greatest difficulty, such as that corresponding to the barbarian invasions.