The colour is a clear ruby red with pomegranate reflections. The smell is complex, wide, intense and persistent. There are also light touches of vanilla, a feeling of ripe fruit and spices. The taste has a good structure and reveals the features of the vine-stocks it is made from.

The hallmark of Umberto Cesari’s wines is consistent high quality (even in weaker vintages like 2000). And as a result, his wines are considered the benchmark for his home region of Romagna – just north of Tuscany. Made from 70% sangiovese and 30% cabernet sauvignon, as a super-Tuscan it would be twice the price. Rich and complex with dark plum and tart cherry fruit, this is classy wine! A rich Bolognese sauce or a grilled veal chop is all it needs to really sing.

Wine maker notes

Liano is made from select Sangiovese grapes (70%) and from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes (30%); after having been stripped and pressed, they are left to ferment in special tanks designed so as to keep the top constantly submerged. This is followed by racking off and ageing, first in wooden 50-60 hectolitre vats, for at least 6 months, then in 5 - 7.5 hectolitre vats, for at least one year, and finally refined in bottles.

Food pairing

It combines well with red meat, game, and especially with the traditional grilled duck's breast, or else with the no less typical lamb in scottiglia.