With each sip of Bisson Ciliegiolo, you can taste the steep slopes of the Ligurian Coastline and the passion of a man who turned his love for the Italian Riviera into a delicious reality.
Bisson, a winery located in the medieval town of Chiavari, near Genoa on the Gulf of Tuguillo between the promontory of Portofino and Moneglia, is the product of Pierluigi Lugano’s passion for the Ligurian Coast, also known as the Italian Riviera. Pierluigi began trading small lots of bulk wine in 1978, and over time became a merchant and grower. Today, he owns vineyards and purchases grapes, working closely with local farmers in every aspect of viticulture.
Bisson is the result of Pierluigi Lugano’s passion for the Ligurian Coast, also known as the Italian Riviera. The winery is located in the medieval town of Chiavari, near Genoa on the Gulf of Tuguillo between the promontory of Portofino and Moneglia. Pierluigi began trading small lots of bulk wine in 1978, and over time became a merchant and grower. Today, he owns vineyards and purchases grapes, working closely with local farmers in every aspect of viticulture.
Pierluigi Lugano, also the winemaker of Bisson Portofino Ciliegiolo Rosato 2018, is a prominent figure in the Italian wine industry. With a passion for the Ligurian Coast and native grape varieties, Pierluigi started as a small trader before becoming a grower and merchant. He is dedicated to preserving the region’s traditions and produces wines using biodynamic practices, resulting in low yields and high-quality wines. His commitment to sustainable viticulture and producing unique wines and grapes such as Bianchetta Genovese, Arbarola, Bosco, and Ciliegiolo has earned him a respected reputation among wine lovers and critics alike.
Bisson’s 100% Ciliegiolo is a stunning grape variety, known for its parentage with Sangiovese. The vineyards where these grapes are grown are akin to challenging regions like Germany, with steep slopes that make mechanization impossible. The Ligurian Coastline is a rugged terrain high above the Mediterranean Sea, where vine cultivation demands a great deal of physical effort. Pierluigi Lugano, the winemaker, is deeply committed to preserving the winemaking traditions that have been passed down for generations, starting with the ancient Greeks who first planted vines on these perilous stony slopes. The soil composition of sandstone, clay, and gravel imparts a solid structure, a mineral core, and aging potential to the wines produced here.
The stunning color of Bisson Portofino Ciliegiolo Rosato 2018 brings to mind the term “Claret,” coined in the Middle Ages to describe pale-colored wines from the Bordeaux region. This word has its roots in the Latin word “Clarus,” meaning clear. In the 14th and 15th centuries, Bordeaux wines were comparatively dim, with a hue similar to that of rosé. During this time, “Claret” was also referred to as spiced wine. It is possible that this wine was produced using the Salasso method, which involves bleeding and making rosé as a by-product of red wine fermentation. In this method, a portion of the pink juice from the grape must is removed early in the fermentation process and fermented separately to produce rosato. Bisson Portofino Ciliegiolo Rosato 2018 undergoes a fermentation process using select yeast in stainless steel tanks after being destemmed, with 2-3 days of skin contact, before being pressed.
The color is a light bright ruby with a slight sparkle from the core. The nose is medium-intensity, with fresh tart wild red fruit of red cherries, raspberries, shaved rhubarb, ocean, crushed wet rocks, dusty roses, and orange zest. The palate is dry with restrained medium acid, low soft tannins, medium alcohol, and a spirited texture. It has a medium intensity of fresh red and black cherries, pomegranate seed, cranberries, unripe watermelon, orange peel, wet salted stone, and a dusty floor. The finish is medium with a strong mineral core, a prick of soft tannin, and a hint of new wet leather complemented by a slightly pleasant effervescent salty finish.
This wine is a true gem, striking the perfect balance between refreshing youthfulness and subtle complexity. Its vibrant palate is bursting with bright fruit flavors, and its light alcohol content makes it a joy to savor sip after sip. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with your favorite cuisine, this wine is sure to impress. Its alluring color is both seductive and playful, bouncing gleefully on the palate like a carefree child. A true delight for any wine lover, this Bisson Portofino Ciliegiolo Rosato 2018 is not to be missed.
As you finish the last drop of Bisson Ciliegiolo, you can’t help but appreciate the dedication and craftsmanship that went into creating such a beautiful wine. From the challenging vineyards to the biodynamic practices and hand-harvesting, every aspect of this wine is a testament to the rich history and traditions of the Ligurian Coast. It’s no wonder that Pierluigi Lugano and his Bisson wines have become a beloved fixture in the wine community. Cheers to a wine that truly embodies the spirit of la dolce vita!
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