Umberto Cesari

Sangiovese and Wines of Emilia Romagna since 1964

Our Story Begins in the Heart of Emilia Romagna, 55 Harvests Ago

Umberto Cesari

The history of our company coincides with that of its founder Umberto Cesari. Among the first to believe in the potential of Emilia Romagna wines, at the beginning of the 1960s, he decided to create the company that now bears his name, investing all his effort in the enhancement of local varieties: Sangiovese, Albana, Pignoletto and Trebbiano.

His work of promotion and ennobling of Sangiovese has earned him the title of Ambassador of Sangiovese in the world.

Where We Are

The company is based in Castel San Pietro, near Bologna, in Emilia Romagna. It is located on the hills between 75 and 250 meters above sea level: 355 hectares of vineyards, 8 farms, 18,000 square meters of cellar. The aging barrel, which covers 2,000 square meters, houses over 600 large barrels, tonneau and barriques. The temperature and humidity are kept constant, thus ensuring the ideal environment for refining the wine.

Terroir and Vineyards

Umberto Cesari dedicates the utmost attention to the vineyards to obtain wines that are the expression of our terroir.

The Earth

Our vineyards are protected by a crown of rocks, the Calanchi Azzurri. These, together with the marked characterization of the seasons, favor a mild climate and make the soil optimal for selective viticulture.

The Soil

The vineyards are located on medium-consistency clayey soils, rich in biodiversity. The grassing of the vineyard, with various crops, guarantees the conservation of biodiversity. The amount of limestone varies according to the farm, also for this reason each one produces grapes with different characteristics.

The more calcareous soils, at high altitudes, give wines with greater structure and balsamic aromas, while the more clay-rich soils, at low altitudes, give more fruity wines. Continuous experiments are carried out on soils and vineyards in order to increase the quality of the fruit.

The Grapes

We are in the DOC area for the production of Sangiovese di Romagna, Trebbiano di Romagna and Pignoletto and in the DOCG area for the production of Albana di Romagna. In addition to these grapes, we produce international varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, which take on unique characteristics in our terroir. In our vineyards we have recovered almost lost native vines such as the Longanesi grape and we continue to experiment with new varieties.

Passion and Experience

«"Inside each bottle you will find the best of our knowledge and know-how.» Umberto Cesari

Values

The pursuit of uncompromising quality has been our mission since 1964. In its implementation we are guided by our fundamental values, pillars of the company and of Umberto Cesari's agronomic philosophy: Heritage, Innovation, Sustainability.

Knowledge and Passion

Our grapes are cared for by passionate, competent and qualified workers who have chosen to dedicate their lives to the land and the vine. Our team of oenologists, with their rare wealth of knowledge and experience, create unique wines every year.

Our agronomist collaborates with the Theban Campus of the University of Bologna, the most important agronomic research center in Italy. Our passion and dedication to wine lead us to pursue excellence in all stages of production.

Technological Innovation

The most advanced technologies are used in all phases of the production process, following a rigorous method, in a continuous search for absolute and total quality. We are one of the 6 companies in Italy that have an optical sorter, a device capable of identifying the best pups after they have been de-stemmed.

By means of a jet of compressed air, this machine eliminates berries that are not completely ripe or in any case imperfect.

Analysis Laboratory

Our oenologists have at their disposal a state-of-the-art laboratory equipped with the most advanced and innovative equipment. It is here that the analyzes and all the checks that allow us to guarantee the perfect quality of our wines are carried out on a daily basis.

Sustainability

We are the first company in Emilia Romagna to have received the "Integrated Quality System of National Production" (SQNPI) certification for the production of grapes and wines. Since the late 1980s we have adopted agricultural practices aimed at preserving land and vines.

This certification is an added value that guarantees the traceability and safety of our products. These are the main activities implemented: Use of meteorological stations for monitoring environmental and meteorological conditions, Integrated defense, Attention to the microbiological fertility of the soil, Use of mycorrhizae during the planting, Use of zeolite on the ground and its fruits, Defoliation of the productive belt, Precision agriculture with vigor maps, albiological conversion.

Products Umberto Cesari