Ciliegiolo is an ancient Italian variety, a parent of Sangiovese. Vigorous and moderately productive, it has pyramidal, compact clusters, with large round berries that smell of cherries, after which Ciliegiolo is named. Wine quality potential in the hot climate of the San Joaquin Valley was good, with adequate color and interesting flavors. In somewhat cooler climates it is even more highly regarded, with D’Agata (2014) considering it to be one of Italy’s greatest and most unappreciated grapes.