Above: Nonno Cesidio Di Ciacca e Marietta in I Ciacca
I Ciacca
- (Pronounced “ee-cha-ka”)
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
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
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
Alberto Antonini
Consultant Wine Maker
Dina
Albergo Sotto Le Stelle
Born in I Ciacca, grew up in Belgium and is an excellent cook!
Maddalena
Albergo Sotto Le Stelle
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
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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