Our Story

Cesidio & Marietta Old photo

Above: Nonno Cesidio Di Ciacca e Marietta in I Ciacca

 I Ciacca

(Pronounced “ee-cha-ka”) 

Home to the Di Ciacca family for over 500 years, abandoned over 50 years ago - even removed from the map - this historic image shows I Ciacca but modern maps do not! 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.
 

THE DI CIACCA FAMILY 

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

  

 

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. 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.

 

Meet our Team... 

 Our Team are young (at least at heart), fantastic and dedicated.

 

Cesidio Di Ciacca

Born and brought up in Scotland, Cesidio's nostalgia along with his desire to regenerate the area is the driving force behind I Ciacca. 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 and stimulate its economic regeneration.

Sofia Di Ciacca Tana

The face of I Ciacca. Her easy smile and warm personality make her our natural ambassador. Sofia takes great pride in promoting the I Ciacca story and is committed to an Organic and Sustainable future.

Luigi Tana 

Like the Di Ciacca's, Luigi's family are also from the Terre di Lavoro area of Central Italy. First generation Scot born and raised in Scotland. A wine lover through and through with over 15 years trade experience in Sales and Export. 
I Ciacca is a special place for Luigi. His aim is to ensure everyone sips wines from I Ciacca in any part of its evolution anywhere in the world...at any time.

Selina Giovanazzi Di Ciacca

Selina holds the family together and is excited about I Ciacca's future in which Nonna Selina's Kitchen will be a  cornerstone. 

Giovanni Di Ciacca

Our very own Media Star. Star Host Giovanni welcomes everyone in person or virtually. His special gifts have encouraged us to plan our " Orto” - vegetable garden - and we are working with local groups to encourage disabled young adults to become involved.
 

Raffaella Nina Tana

Born during the Covid-19 Lockdown in April 2020... Hasn't seen I Ciacca or Sotto Le Stelle yet but, what a day that will be! And so our Story continues.....

 

Everyone has a say on winemaking to ensure we remain true to our philosophy.

 

 Our Team are young, fantastic and dedicated. 

All of our team have been with us from the beginning - we could not even dream of doing it without them. Thank you.

  

 

Luca
I Ciacca Winery

Responsible for vineyard and winery management. Has found a true passion for agriculture and comes to life when sharing his vast knowledge.
  
 

Alberto Antonini
Consultant Wine Maker

 Our friend and consultant winemaker. The world renowned consultant was named by Decanter magazine July 2015 as one of the top 5 winemakers in the world. Alberto has been with us every step of the way, from the very beginning and has become a good friend of the family.
 
 

Dina
Albergo Sotto Le Stelle
 

Guest Relations in Albergo 
Born in I Ciacca, grew up in Belgium and is an excellent cook! 

 
 

Maddalena
Albergo Sotto Le Stelle 

Guest Relations in Albergo
Family originally from Picinisco, born and brought up in Glasgow
Our little piece of Scotland in the hotel! 
 
 
 

Our Philosophy

  • We are back on the map!
  • 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.

The Town

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, The Valley

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.

 

Future Projects

 

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

Map 1

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.

Contact:

Via Giustino Ferri, 7
03040 Picinisco (FR)
ITALY

+390776610608 or
+393429465890
Info@iciacca.com
sottolestelle@iciacca.com

 

 

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