I Ciacca

(Pronounced “eee-cha-ka”) 

Home to the Di Ciacca family for over 500 years, abandoned over 50 years ago - even removed from the map! 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. Organic, Minimal intervention and indigenous grapes, such as our treasured Maturano Bianco variety in several vinification Methods.

CANTINA

The I Ciacca Organic certified winery is located at an altitude of 600m in the Val di Comino with breathtaking landscapes in one of the oldest National Parks in Europe, the National Park of Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise. The philosophy is simple and straightforward: Spontaneous Fermentations, Natural, Organic and honest products are created here. Almost 200 years have passed since the French vines were planted in this valley and in 1999 the Cabernet di Atina obtained the official recognition of DOC. I Ciacca tries to be different and traditional at the same time, producing a natural, organic and vegan wine, 100% grapes without chemical residues or pesticides.

We use Cement Tulip Vats for our evolutionary ageing capability with these grapes, allowing a microoxygenated wine be controlled by precise temperatures and allowing minerality to flourish into our wines.
Our wines are fined organically and are suitable for Vegetarians and Vegans.

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.

PICINISCO

Picinisco, lies in the Val di Comino, half way between Rome and Naples and in 2017 celebrated it’s Millennium from 1017 AD.

At 725m, Picinisco's Medieval Castle 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.