Chezaneze (Cesanese) is a grape variety used to make red wine in Lazio (Italy). Widely recognized as one of the most interesting varieties of the region.

Basically chezaneze gives the wine a bright fruit character and some earthy undertone.

Grade chezaneze occupies a large area South of Rome, on the hills which overlooking the valleys of the rivers Sacco and Aniene.

It has two varieties:

• Cesanese Comune (comune Chezaneze) With large berries
• Cesanese di Affile (Chezaneze Afile di) is Less common and more prestigious

Both varieties included in the wines of DOCG Cesanese del Piglio and Cesanese di Olevano Romano DOC. And the second awarded its own appellation Cesanese di Affile DOC.

In line with the global trend “appeals to the basics” and re-opening the world of outstanding aborigines, chezaneze recently receiving attention. However, winemakers he’s known more for his vagaries. Ripens extremely late, even in very Sunny areas around Rome.

Often its berries do not have time to reach full phenolic ripeness, making the wine is simple and watery, not allowing to assess the merits of varieties.

However, in case of success, chezaneze gives wines with rich bouquet of ripe cherries and floral tones, sometimes with a note of red pepper. The body of the wine is higher, the tannins are soft. From contact with oak is not particularly winning, is better seen in samples with minimal effect of the barrel.

Cesanese Comune – a kind varieties with larger berries and less whimsical on the vine, with good resistance to fungal infections and other misfortunes. Perhaps that is why the area planted this chezaneze remain stable, while the Cesanese di Affile lose his seat under the vines and today is already less than 1250 hectares.

A stronghold of sorts is without doubt Lazio. But it can also be found in Tuscany and Umbria.

Among successful pairs gastronomy with chezaneze:

• Duck ragout with pappardelle
• Sausages with polenta
• Pork ribs in sweet and sour sauce