Damiano Ciolli and his significant other, Letizia Rocchi, belong to winemaking families that have been growing grapes for four generations - though the wine was sold only in demi-johns to neighbors and Roman osterie until 2001 when they took over the winery. Both Damiano and Letizia traveled extensively through Italy and France to meet winemakers and taste great wines, with Letizia studying in Bordeaux, South Africa, Rioja, and Washington before bringing her experience back to Lazio, that oft-maligned region of the Cesanese grape. Seeking to preserve a freshness that showcases the potential of Cesanese, the couple’s wines display the dynamic peppercorn-spiciness and floral character of the varietal. Damiano and Letizia are widely considered the most talented winemakers in Lazio, and certainly rising stars in Italy. Though not certified, the vineyards (which are located in Olevano Romano, 35 miles south of Rome and sitting 450m above sea level) are farmed biodynamically and have been organic for multiple generations. Grown in volcanic soils, the winery’s 80-year-old Cesanese vines and 50-year-old Trebbiano Verde (a biotype of Verdicchio) vines help Damiano and Letizia produce stunning wines.