Sergio Marani Marche Ciliegiolo 2025

Named for the Italian word for cherry, Ciliegiolo is mostly grown in Tuscany and Umbria, so a bottling from the Marche is a rare find. This one comes from the Marani family of Matelica, a small estate best known for Verdicchio. Sergio Marani grew up working these vineyards alongside his father and grandfather.

The grapes are picked by hand and macerate on their skins for about ten days. The wine is then raised in stainless steel, which keeps the focus on the fruit. At a modest 12.5% alcohol in 2025, it is a lighter, juicy red. Soft but present tannins and lively acidity carry the fruit to a lingering finish with light hints of leather and tobacco.

Serve it slightly cool with salumi, grilled meats or aged cheeses.