Damiano Ciolli 'Franc(o)' Cabernet Franc Blend, Lazio, Italy 2023

Damiano Ciolli, a fourth-generation winemaker from Olevano Romano in Lazio, has crafted 'Franc(o)' as a tribute to his grandfather, Franco Caporili. This unique blend showcases the harmonious marriage of Cabernet Franc and the indigenous Cesanese grape, reflecting both innovation and tradition.

• WINEMAKER: Damiano Ciolli
• FARMING: Practices sustainable viticulture with manual harvesting to ensure optimal grape selection.
• VARIETY: 70% Cabernet Franc, 30% Cesanese
• TERROIR: The vineyards are situated in Olevano Romano, approximately 35 miles southeast of Rome, characterized by hilly terrain with volcanic soils at an elevation of 450 meters above sea level. This unique terroir imparts a distinct minerality and freshness to the wine.
• VINIFICATION: The grapes undergo a short maceration period of 3-4 days in concrete tanks, followed by spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts. Malolactic fermentation occurs naturally, and the wine is aged exclusively in concrete for 8 months, preserving its fresh and vibrant character.
• AGING: Aged for 8 months in concrete tanks, followed by a few months in the bottle before release.
• TASTING NOTES: This wine exhibits classic notes of balsamic and vegetal nuances, complemented by dark fruit fragrances. On the palate, it is straight, taut, and tasty, with a fresh profile and an interesting tannic texture.
• FOOD PAIRINGS: Pairs well with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and hearty pasta dishes, complementing the wine's structure and acidity.

From Our 2025 Bottle Cult Notes:

Damiano Ciolli Winery, located near Rome in the Olevano Romano region of Lazio, is a family-run estate dedicated to showcasing the Cesanese grape—a rare, native red variety known for its aromatic complexity and vibrant acidity. Thriving in Lazio’s volcanic and limestone-rich soils, Cesanese produces wines with a floral, spicy, and mineral driven character, balancing freshness and structure. For those who love light, aromatic reds with a rustic edge, this grape is a must-try!

Though Damiano Ciolli and his partner Letizia Rocchi established the winery in its modern form in the early 2000s, their work is deeply rooted in generations of family viticulture. Their approach centers on sustainable farming, using biodynamic practices alongside minimal-intervention winemaking to express the purest form of Cesanese. The 2023 vintage was particularly challenging. Damiano not only faced an outbreak of downy mildew and a herd of wild boars that devastated his crop, but he also suffered the unexpected loss of his best friend and fellow winemaker, Franco Caporilli.

With little Cesanese left to make their usual wines, Damiano and Letizia adapted by purchasing fruit for the first time. To honor their late friend, they sourced Cabernet Franc from Franco’s vineyards, creating a tribute blend called Franc(o’). Made from 70% Cabernet Franc and 30% Cesanese, the wine was fermented and aged in concrete for eight months before bottling. It beautifully blends the floral elegance and vibrant acidity of Cesanese with the rich body, black cherry, green pepper, and dark chocolate notes of Cabernet Franc, making for an expressive and heartfelt vintage.

This wine pairs beautifully with all kinds of rich dishes, from steak to stews, but the opulence of the Cabernet Franc also allows it to be enjoyed solo—so do what makes you happy! —Simi Grewal, DECANT co-founder