Casale della Ioria

Casale della Ioria: Elevating Cesanese with Torre del Piano Under Paolo Perinelli’s Vision

Nestled in the rolling hills of Ciociaria, south of Rome, Casale della Ioria stands as a beacon of tradition and innovation in Lazio’s winemaking landscape. For over a century, this family-run estate has championed the native Cesanese grape, but it was under the visionary leadership of Paolo Perinelli that this ancient varietal was transformed into a modern masterpiece. At the heart of this legacy lies Torre del Piano Cesanese del Piglio Superiore Riserva, a wine that embodies the estate’s commitment to quality, elegance, and the revival of a near-forgotten grape.

Paolo Perinelli: The Cesanese Crusader

Paolo Perinelli, a revered figure in Frosinone’s wine community, took the helm of his ancestral estate in the early 1980s with a bold mission: to breathe new life into Cesanese, Lazio’s most significant red grape. At a time when the region favored simple white wines, Perinelli chose to replant his vineyards exclusively with Cesanese d’Affile, rejecting the allure of international varietals. His meticulous work in the vineyard, guided by eco-friendly practices and a deep respect for the land, set the stage for a revolution in Cesanese winemaking.

Perinelli’s approach was groundbreaking. He collaborated with agronomist Lorenzo Costantini to conduct clonal selections, identifying four superior Cesanese clones that enhanced the grape’s quality and expression. By employing low-impact techniques—organic fertilizers, manual weeding, and minimal chemical intervention—Perinelli ensured the purity of his wines. His efforts culminated in Casale della Ioria becoming a benchmark for Cesanese del Piglio DOCG, with Perinelli serving as president of the Cesanese del Piglio Consortium, advocating for the grape’s recognition on a global stage.

Torre del Piano: A Cesanese Icon

The crown jewel of Casale della Ioria, Torre del Piano Cesanese del Piglio Superiore Riserva is a testament to Perinelli’s vision of elegance over power. Crafted from 100% Cesanese d’Affile grapes grown in a prime 4.2-hectare vineyard at 335 meters above sea level in Acuto, this wine reflects the unique volcanic soils and microclimate of the Ernici mountains. The vines, planted in 1986, are trained in the guyot system, yielding a concentrated harvest of just 60 quintals per hectare.

The winemaking process is meticulous. After a careful hand-harvest in late October, only the finest grapes are selected. Fermentation occurs in stainless steel for 10 days, followed by maceration on the skins to extract depth and structure. The wine then rests in small French oak barriques, a pioneering choice Perinelli introduced in 1999, making Casale della Ioria the first winery to age Cesanese in such barrels. This bold move, initially met with skepticism, proved transformative, earning the 2001 vintage a silver medal at Vinitaly in 2004—a turning point for the region’s reputation. A final bottle aging refines the wine, delivering a ruby-red elixir of intensity and finesse.

Torre del Piano captivates with its deep ruby hue and complex bouquet. Aromas of black cherry, tart plum, and red berries intertwine with notes of medicinal herbs, leather, and subtle coffee-spice from oak aging. On the palate, it offers medium acidity, well-integrated 15% alcohol, and medium-plus tannins, creating a juicy, balanced profile with a persistent, elegant finish. Critics have lauded its structure, with reviews noting its potential to age gracefully, akin to a Burgundy, through 2022 and beyond.

The Legacy of Casale della Ioria

Under Paolo Perinelli’s stewardship, Casale della Ioria has not only elevated Cesanese but also redefined Lazio’s red wine narrative. The estate’s 38 hectares, split between Anagni, Acuto, and Piglio, produce a range of Cesanese expressions, including the fruit-forward Campo Novo and the refined Tenuta della Ioria. Yet, it is Torre del Piano that stands as Perinelli’s masterpiece, a wine that marries tradition with innovation.

The estate’s commitment to sustainability—certified organic vineyards, native yeast fermentation, and minimal intervention—ensures that each bottle reflects the terroir of Ciociaria. Perinelli’s legacy is further cemented by accolades, including 92 points for Torre del Piano Riserva 2016 from DoctorWine and five grappoli from Bibenda 2019, reserved for Italy’s finest wines.

Discover Torre del Piano

Torre del Piano Cesanese del Piglio Superiore Riserva DOCG is more than a wine; it is a story of passion, perseverance, and place. Perfectly paired with hearty dishes like mushroom frittata, roasted lamb, or aged cheeses, it invites you to savor the soul of Lazio. Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or seeking a unique alternative to mainstream reds, Torre del Piano offers a captivating journey into the heart of Cesanese.