Cincinnato Nero Buono Polluce Lazio 2024

Cincinnato Nero Buono Polluce Lazio 

Tasting Note

Nero Buono is a rare red variety native to the Lazio town of Cori, producing wines with dark fruit, floral aromatics and surprisingly soft tannins. Cincinnato preserves this heritage through organic farming and low-intervention winemaking, allowing the grape to show its distinctive profile. ‘Pollùce’ is fermented in stainless steel and aged briefly in neutral vessels for clarity and freshness.

Aromas of black cherry, violet, liquorice and sweet herbs lead into a velvety palate with good fruit concentration and lively acidity. There’s a gentle earthy finish that brings depth without heaviness. A perfect companion to grilled sausages, pizza or lentils. Characterful and easy to love.

Producer

At the foot of Cori, a small hilltop town in Lazio, sits Cincinnato, formed in 1927 as a farmer's cooperative to support the Lazio economy.  105 growers work an area of around 550 hectares, 100 of which are farmed organically.  Named after a Roman pro-consul, the town and vineyards have been worked since 500 BC.  In common with so many of our producers, Cincinnato take huge pride in showcasing the local varieties: Nero Buono and Bellone (known locally as ‘uva pane’, the bread grape, as it was so reliable) both of which have been cultivated here for more than 2,000 years.

Polluce, venerated in the ancient temple at Cori, is 100% Nero Buono.  A pale ruby colour this has more than a passing resemblance to Pinot Noir with beautifully fragrant notes of red fruit and warming spice.  The Castore is 100% Bellone from south-facing vineyards and sports a lively nose of stone fruit and citrus which, on a good day, has a similarly Burgundian character.  It’s ideal with fresh fish, shellfish, and pasta.  The Malvasia – from the distinctly superior ‘Puntinata’ clone - is a minor miracle given the muck that masquerades as Malvasia from Frascati and has an armful of herbal notes overlaid with sage and almond.

Cincinnato Nero Buono Polluce Lazio - Hay Wines