The Parma innovator who changed the perception of Lambrusco
Emilia-Romagna, Italy. Its rich land is home to a food culture that captivates gourmets around the world.
Parmigiano Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma, Culatello di Zibello—in this land where numerous world-renowned delicacies are born, Lambrusco has long been cherished as an indispensable part of people's dining tables.
CECI is the winery that elevated the value of such traditional Lambrusco to the world and created a new perspective that "Lambrusco can be freer, more beautiful, and more stylish."
While preserving tradition, they are never afraid of innovation. Their challenges have dramatically changed the image of the Lambrusco category itself.
A story that began with a trattoria
The history of CECI began in 1938 with a small trattoria run by the founder, Otello Ceci.
At that time, his restaurant captivated many people with its highly-reputed tripe dishes and his own homemade Lambrusco.
A glass that enhanced the food and made people smile.
Its taste quickly gained a reputation, and the desire to "drink more of this wine" spread.
Eventually, the family shifted from restaurant management to winemaking, embarking on a new path as a full-fledged winery.
What has been passed down to this day is not merely winemaking techniques.
It is the very spirit that Otello nurtured in his trattoria: to entertain people, enrich their dining tables, and create happy moments.
Terroir nurtured by Parma, the city of gastronomy
CECI's wines are nurtured by the rich climate of Parma, one of Italy's leading cities of gastronomy.
The fertile land spread along the Po River basin is blessed with significant temperature differences between day and night and a mild climate, creating an ideal environment for grape cultivation.
In this region, numerous specialty products such as Parmigiano Reggiano and Prosciutto di Parma are born, and Lambrusco has developed alongside its food culture.
CECI uses carefully selected grapes from contract farmers to produce Lambrusco that possesses the fruitiness and delicate acidity unique to this land, along with an excellent compatibility with food.
Wine is not something to be enjoyed alone, but rather a part of the dining table.
That has been CECI's philosophy since its founding, and it remains unchanged.
"Lambrusco is fashion"
When discussing CECI, its innovative spirit is indispensable.
For a long time, Lambrusco had a strong image as a casual everyday drink.
However, CECI overturned this stereotype.
Bold square bottles, sophisticated label designs, and brand building that proposes a lifestyle.
They have pursued designs that make a special experience begin the moment you pick up the bottle, not just the wine itself.
Their message, "LAMBRUSCO IS FASHION," embodies the desire to richly color the very time spent drinking wine.
Wine is a lifestyle itself, before it is a beverage.
CECI is a pioneer who elevated Lambrusco to modern Italian style.
A challenge passed down through four generations
More than 80 years since its founding.Today, Otello Ceci's great-grandchildren have inherited the brand, building a new era for CECI.
While cherishing the traditions passed down through generations, they are not afraid of market changes and continue with new designs, new expressions, and new challenges.
This attitude is not limited to bottle design.
It encompasses an insatiable pursuit of quality, the expression of terroir, and brand promotion to the world.
CECI continues to prove that tradition and innovation are not contradictory but can coexist.
Quality recognized worldwide
CECI's innovativeness is by no means limited to design.
They continue to achieve high global recognition for their quality.
Their flagship "Otello Nero di Lambrusco" is known as the first Lambrusco in history to receive 5 grappoli for 9 consecutive years in Italy's leading wine guide, 'Duemila Vini'.
Furthermore, numerous awards, including the "Oscar del Vino," prove that CECI is one of the world's top Lambrusco producers.
While innovative, the essence is always sincerity towards quality.
This attitude is precisely why it continues to captivate many wine lovers.
The CECI Philosophy
CECI's Lambrusco is always like haute couture.
