It is likely descended from ancient varieties of vitis vinifera, from which the Sangiovese grape also derives.It is grown here and there throughout the region, but it has found its homeland in the area of the Colli Amerini (Amelia hills), in the province of Terni.

For years, these grapes were used to produce blended wines or young, fragrant wines that are ready to be enjoyed without aging. Ciliegiolo di Narni is now produced according to the IGT regulations, but the Narni Ciliegiolo Producers' Association has adhered to a more restrictive regulation, which provides for the production of pure wine and the adoption of more stringent processing standards, both in the vineyard and in the cellar. When vinified, the grape produces a wine of an intense ruby red color characterised by particularly fruity aromas, fresh and with relatively low alcohol.