Ciù Ciù – A Taste of Heritage: Weaving Tradition into Every Sip

In the rolling hills of Offida, where medieval stone whispers tales of a storied past, Ciù Ciù stands as a living testament to Italy’s enduring love affair with wine. Born in 1970 from the hands of Natalino and Anna Bartolomei, this family winery in Le Marche has grown from a humble plot into a celebrated name within the Ciù Ciù Tenimenti Bartolomei group—a leader among Italian wine producers. For over half a century, Ciù Ciù has poured its heart into every bottle, blending the wisdom of tradition with the pulse of innovation. From the crisp Pecorino whites of Marche to the robust Montepulciano reds of Abruzzo, Ciù Ciù crafts wines that don’t just quench thirst—they tell a story of heritage, land, and a family’s unwavering passion.

The tale begins in the Piceno region, a sun-kissed corner of central Italy where the Tesino and Tronto rivers frame a landscape ripe for viticulture. Natalino, armed with little more than a tractor and a dream, tilled the soil alongside Anna, planting vines that would one day bear the family name. “It started with love—for the land, for each other,” their legacy reflects, and that love took root in Contrada Ciafone, just outside Offida’s ancient walls. What began as a small endeavor blossomed over decades, passing to sons Massimiliano and Walter, who expanded the vision across 180 hectares of vineyards. Today, Ciù Ciù isn’t just a winery—it’s a tapestry of five regions—Marche, Abruzzo, Tuscany, Lazio, and Sicily—each thread a testament to Italy’s diverse terroir.

Walk through Ciù Ciù’s vineyards, and you’ll feel the heartbeat of tradition. The Pecorino grape, a Marche native, thrives in the clay-limestone hills near Offida, its roots drinking deep from soils kissed by Adriatic breezes. The Merlettaie Offida DOCG Pecorino is a star here—pale straw in the glass, it blooms with apple, pear, and a mineral edge, a sip that’s as crisp as a morning in the Apennines. Then there’s the Evoè Marche IGP Passerina, another local treasure, its floral notes dancing with citrus, perfect for a summer evening. These whites aren’t just wines—they’re the voice of a region, cultivated organically to let the land speak unfiltered. “It’s about authenticity,” the Bartolomeis say, and every bottle proves it.

But Ciù Ciù’s heritage shines just as brightly in its reds. The Gotico Rosso Piceno Superiore DOP, a blend of Montepulciano and Sangiovese, is a robust nod to Piceno’s past—dark cherry and spice on the nose, full-bodied yet refined on the tongue. Aged with care, it’s a wine that pairs with roasted lamb or a quiet fireside night, earning praise for its depth. The Esperanto Offida DOCG Rosso takes a bolder leap, marrying Montepulciano with Cabernet Sauvignon—an international twist on a local classic, its velvety richness a bridge between tradition and the world beyond. “These are wines of the earth,” a fan notes, “You taste the history in every drop.”

This reverence for heritage doesn’t mean Ciù Ciù shuns the future. The winery balances tradition with cutting-edge technology—state-of-the-art presses and temperature-controlled cellars ensure quality without losing soul. Over 300 hectares across the group are farmed organically and biodynamically, a choice cemented by the Equalitas certification in 2024. “Sustainability is our legacy too,” the family insists, and it shows: no chemicals touch the vines, and ancient oaks still dot the fields, a nod to the “Tenimenti” (estates) in their name. It’s a harmony of past and present, where hand-harvested grapes meet modern precision, crafting wines that win hearts—and awards, like The Wine Hunter gold for their organic excellence.

Ciù Ciù’s portfolio stretches beyond Marche, weaving a national tapestry. In Abruzzo, Montepulciano and Trebbiano flourish; in Tuscany, Sangiovese reigns; Lazio offers Cesanese; and Sicily brings Grillo and Nero d’Avola to the table. Each wine is a love letter to its origin—think the Sicilian Grillo’s sunny zest or the Tuscan Sangiovese’s earthy grace. This diversity isn’t scattershot—it’s deliberate, a celebration of Italy’s viticultural mosaic. “Every territory deserves its glass,” the Bartolomeis declare, and their five historic wineries deliver just that, uniting under one banner to honor the land’s many voices.

The journey from Offida to the world hasn’t been without its chapters of grit. Starting as a local producer, Ciù Ciù grew through sheer will—Natalino’s tractor once served neighbors, a symbol of community that still drives the brand. The shift to bottled wines, then to global markets, took courage, but the payoff gleams: partnerships at Milan’s “My Secret Garden” event, a starring role as wine partner at Premio ANGI (Italy’s “Oscars of Innovation”), and bottles gracing tables from London to Tokyo. “I found their Pecorino at a festival—it’s unforgettable,” a taster recalls. With free shipping in Italy over €60 via their online shop (shop.ciuciutenimenti.it), Ciù Ciù brings its heritage home to you.

That heritage isn’t just in the vines—it’s in the stories. The Bartolomeis preserve Marche’s culinary past through projects like recipes from the region’s last sharecroppers, pairing their wines with dishes that echo Offida’s soul. Social media buzzes with this spirit—photos of Gotico against a sunset, Merlettaie beside a seafood spread, captions singing of “tradition in every sip.” Customers join the chorus: “The Rosso Piceno is my go-to—it’s like family,” one writes. Events like Poltrona Frau’s Christmas gathering or Premio Margutta showcase Ciù Ciù’s wines as more than drinks—they’re ambassadors of a way of life.

Recognition has followed, a crown on decades of care. The Wine Hunter Awards laud their quality, while press from London to Milan celebrates their authenticity. “Ciù Ciù competes with Central Italy’s finest,” critics note, pointing to the Oppidum—a 100% Montepulciano that’s pure poetry in a bottle. Yet, Ciù Ciù stays grounded, its Offida base a medieval jewel hosting tastings and tours. “A day at the winery changed how I see wine,” a visitor shares, and that’s the goal: to connect, to inspire, to share a heritage that’s both personal and universal.

What’s next for Ciù Ciù? The future brims with promise—new varietals, perhaps, or deeper sustainability strides. Could we see a sparkling Sicilian Nero d’Avola or a biodynamic Tuscan blend? For now, the focus holds: crafting wines that honor their roots while reaching new horizons. “We’re here to tell Italy’s story,” the family says, and every harvest proves it. Visit www.ciuciutenimenti.it and taste the tale yourself—direct sales, event updates, and a blog await.

So, what is Ciù Ciù? It’s the Pecorino’s crisp dawn, the Gotico’s warm dusk, the Esperanto’s worldly embrace. It’s a vineyard kissed by Adriatic winds, a bottle aged with ancestral care, a tree spared by organic hands. It’s a gift for a friend, a toast at a feast, a sip of Offida’s heart. In a world of fleeting flavors, Ciù Ciù offers permanence—a taste of heritage woven into every glass. Step into this legacy at www.ciuciutenimenti.it. With Ciù Ciù, tradition isn’t just preserved—it’s poured, savored, and shared.