Wine · Atri, Abruzzo
Francesco Cirelli
Organic Abruzzo wines, many aged in amphora, from a working mixed farm.
- Founded
- 2003
- Founded by
- Francesco Cirelli
- Based in
- Atri, Abruzzo
Making it since
2003
Their story
Francesco Cirelli finished a business degree in 2003 and, rather than head for an office, bought land in the hills of Abruzzo near Atri. He wanted to bring back the old idea of a small, self-sufficient farm, with animals, grain, fruit trees, olives and vines all on the same land.
Mostly self-taught as a winemaker, he has farmed organically since 2006 and later began trying biodynamic methods. The farm also produces olive oil, fruit, vegetables and meat.
How it's made
Cirelli works with the native grapes of Abruzzo: Montepulciano for reds, and Trebbiano and Pecorino for whites. Since 2011 he has aged many of his wines in clay amphorae, which he prefers because they let the fruit speak without adding the flavor of oak.
Why we carry them
Cirelli's wines are lively and honest, and a great introduction to amphora wine without any heaviness. The Trebbiano and Montepulciano are easy matches for a weeknight dinner.
Find more makers like this in Provisions Club, our curated subscription.
Explore Provisions Club