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I CIACCA   (Pronounced “Ee Chaka”)

Home to the Di Ciacca family for over 500 years, abandoned over 50 years ago, I Ciacca has recently been restored and is dedicated to maintaining and sharing the tradition of hospitality, food, wine and culture of Picinisco and Val di Comino. Obviously sustainable before, is now and will continue be in the future.

OUR VINES

Throughout history,  the unique indigenous grape, Maturano, has always been grown at I Ciacca. Until our replacing in the Guyot Style, vines were planted in the etruscan manner “al olmo” (around an elm) to allow the ground below to be used for cultivation and grazing - and also protecting the grapes from excess humidity. Cantina I Ciacca restores a tradition of wine making here.

THE DI CIACCA FAMILY 

Cesidio's father, Johnny was born in I Ciacca. His grandparents, Cesidio and Marietta moved to Scotland at the turn of the 20th century along with many other families from the area

PICINISCO

Picinisco, lies in the Val di Comino, half way between Rome and Naples. and in 2017 celebrated it’s Millennium. It’s castle is older than Edinburgh Castle

At 725m, it is built on the slopes of one of the highest mountains in central Italy - Monte Meta - and the only one where on a clear day you can see the Adriatic and the Tyrhennian Seas.

Renowned for its cheese, olive oil, wine and fruit, Picinisco enjoys its fresh air, proximity to nature, traditions and especially it’s links to its sons and daughters to be found throughout the world, but especially Scotland.

VAL DI COMINO

Like Scotland, this land was occupied by an ancient people, the Samnites, who finally after 3 wars were defeated by the Romans.

After the economic and political problems resulting from the unification of Italy, nearly 40% of the southern Italian population emigrated. Many still return ‘home’ regularly to meet friends and relatives, who come back to meet friends and relatives from all over the world.

Many young people continue to leave for University or to find work, but a growing number are choosing to return. In fact, Val di Comino remains uncontaminated and will soon be officially recognised as the first “Organic District” (Biodistretto) in Lazio - thanks to the efforts of its young farmers.

 

TODAY

 

Born and brought up in Scotland, Cesidio’s nostalgia along with his desire to regenerate the area is the driving force behind the company. Cesidio wishes that the project at I Ciacca, together with other initiatives in the area will create employment and opportunities for the youth of the village.

Cesidio, his wife Selina and their children Sofia and Giovanni are excited about I Ciacca's future. Nonna Selina”s Kitchen is the cornerstone. Giovanni has Down's Syndrome, loves the farm and is our Star Host.

Sofia and her husband Luigi have taken on the role of marketing - when not distracted by the new baby addition to their family. Everyone has a say on winemaking to ensure we remain true to our philosophy.

 Our Team are young, fantastic and dedicated.

• Marica is our Administrator and runs the office and greets visitors to Sotto Le Stelle. She loves to meet people.
• Luca looks after the vineyard and the Winery. Our silent stalwart.
• Onorio has taken responsibility for our Olives, our beehives and for maintenance. Our own "Geppetto".
• Dina speaks French and helps in the hotel. Always ready to help.
• Maddalena speaks English and helps in the hotel. Always has a smile.

OUR BUSINESS:

• The project for the restoration of I Ciacca won the Ursa prize in conjunction with the University of Milan in 2015 for “The Best project for a Better Tomorrow in Italy”.
• Our vineyard is certified ORGANIC. Our philosophy is genuine SUSTAINABILITY. Our Cantina is STATE OF THE ART but pays tribute to our roots.
• Our Boutique agriturismo/aparthotel/albergo diffuso Sotto Le Stelle defies description but is a “LITTLE GEM” according to Michelin.Our Events and Meeting Space is set up for today’s needs in an ancient space. Our Cookery School and Food Safaris need to be EXPERIENCED, and
• Our Maturano WINES are fantastic and unique.

PICINISCO

Renowned for its cheese, olive oil, wine and fruit, Picinisco enjoys its fresh air, proximity to nature, traditions and especially it’s links to its sons and daughters to be found throughout the world, but especially Scotland. Use Picinisco as your base to visit the treasures of this genuine, unchanging area - there is much to do and see.

VAL DI COMINO

Many young people continue to leave for University or to find work, but a growing number are choosing to return. In fact, Val di Comino remains uncontaminated and will soon be official recognised as the first “Organic District” (Biodistretto) in Lazio - thanks to the efforts of its young farmers.

 

Tomorrow

Coming Soon -

Nonna Selina’s Cooking School

Electric Car Charging Stations

Our Fruit Liqueurs

Hand made Olive Soaps

…. and more

 

Contact US

Just a one and a half hour’s drive from Rome or Naples, Picinisco is perched high on a ridge (750 metres) with Val di Comino stretching below. Picinisco is one of the entrances to Parco Nazionale d’Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise – voted by Lonely Planet in 2011 as one of the five best National Park’s in Europe

Airports

• Naples Capodicchino – 1.5 hours
• Rome Ciampino – 1.5 hours
• Rome Fiumicino (Leonardo da Vinci) – 2 hours

Directions By Road

 By Motorway from Rome: A1(Milano-Napoli) exit Ferrentino. Superstrada Ferrentino – Sora; Folow signs to Superstrada Cassino-Sora towards Cassino - exit Atina Inferiore. S.S.509 "di Forca D'Acero" - exit Picinisco, then follow the signs to Piazza Capocci, Picinisco.

By Motorway from Naples: A1(Milano-Napoli) exit Cassino. Superstrada (Highway) Cassino-Sora towards Sora - exit Atina Inferiore. S.S.509 "di Forca D'Acero" - exit Picinisco, then follow the signs to Piazza Capocci, Picinisco.

By Taxi

Private car, Minibus or coach transfers can be organized through the Concierge with Leabus. Contact the concierge for details.

This is a rural area so public transport is not very convenient. Local taxis are available but need to be booked in advance. We recommend visitors hire a car to allow them to explore the area easily.

Via Giustino Ferri, 7
03040 Picinisco (FR)
ITALY

info@iciacca.com