Leonardo Bussoletti
For over 25 years, Leonardo Bussoletti has been growing and nurturing the classic native grape varieties of Umbria: Ciliegiolo, Grechetto, Trebbiano Spoletino and several different Malvasias. Driven by his desire to protect and promote the heritage of these grape varieties and their historical importance for his Region, Leonardo makes all his wines following 2 basic principles: certified organic/sustainable farming and artisanal fermentations with native yeasts (using the pied de cuve method). As a result, all his wines reflect without filters the grapes’ unique varietal character and their interaction with the climate and soils of Umbria.
The winery is located near the medieval hilltop town of Narni (or Narnia in Latin), which gave C.S.Lewis the inspiration for his famous fantasy novel The Chronicles of Narnia. Ciliegiolo has been grown around Narni for centuries, its importance and historical relevance are protected by the Narni Ciliegiolo IGT appellation.
Bussoletti’s ASLA label celebrates Ciliegiolo’s historical presence around this town, and it is a homage to Aslan, the main character in the Chronicles of Narnia.
A cluster of Ciliegiolo
A close relative of Sangiovese (possibly an offspring), Ciliegiolo is an ancient grape variety grown in Umbria, Toscana, and Liguria. Bursting with aromas of cherry (ciliegia means cherry in Italian), Ciliegiolo yields elegant, medium-bodied, versatile red wines that are a pure joy to drink. We recommend to serve it slightly chilled (55-58° F).
Available Wines:
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"Mau" Grechetto Umbria IGT
80% Grechetto (a field blend of both Grechetto di Todi and Grechetto di Orvieto), plus 20% of Trebbiano Spoletino, all from young estate owned and organically farmed vines. Fermented with native yeasts in stainless steel, and minimally aged for maximum freshness.
A delightful, zingy and zesty white, full of energy and aromas of orchard fruit, and golden delicious apple.
It is dedicated to Maugrin The Wolf, the nemesis of Aslan The Lion, in the Chronicles of Narnia.
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"Asla" Narni Ciliegiolo IGT
100% Ciliegiolo, from estate vineyards in the Colle Ozio and Colle Pizzuto areas. Fermented with native yeasts and aged on the fine lees in stainless steel for 6 months.
An homage to Aslan, The Chronicles of Narnia main character, this is Leonardo’s most playful, versatile and easy drinking Ciliegiolo. Bursting with the signature cherry notes, it offers a juicy finish refreshed by a poised acidity. Serve slightly chilled (56-58 F).
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"Colleozio" Grechetto Umbria IGT
100% Grechetto (A selection of Grechetto di Todi and Grechetto di Orvieto), from estate vineyards in the Colle Ozio area. Fermented with native yeasts and aged on the fine lees for 6 months in stainless steel.
A delicious white driven by mineral notes throughout and layered with aromas of yellow stone fruit and white flowers.
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"Collemurello" Trebbiano Spoletino Umbria IGT
100% Trebbiano Spoletino, one of the most interesting and high quality members of the Trebbiano Group, native of Umbria. From certified organic estate vineyards in the Collemurello area. Fermented with native yeasts in stainless steel. Aged in stainless steel vats, with periodic batonnages, to increase complexity.
This is a wonderfully layered yet zesty white, with aromas of yellow stone fruit followed by key lime custard and white pepper. Medium bodied, with a lush yet citrusy finish.
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"Brecciaro" Narni Ciliegiolo IGT
100% Ciliegiolo, named after the area where the majority of the estate’s vineyards are located. Fermented with native yeasts in stainless steel, and aged on the fine lees for 12 months (70% in stainless steel and 30% in large French oak botti).
Bussoletti’s most classic interpretation of Ciliegiolo, expressing a remarkable balance between the density of the berry aromas and the elegance of the acidity closing in on the palate.
