Cirelli Wines: the brave choice of an engineer who gave a voice to the land
Written by Davide Gangi | Published in territory, wine 
I’ve known Francesco Cirelli since the very beginning of his company. I discovered him during a wine tasting evening in Bari—an encounter I hold close to my heart. I fondly remember it as an extraordinary evening, one of those rare nights where wine becomes a universal language and an excuse to talk about genuine passions. We spoke at length, with smiles and deep reflections, and the night was so intense that we nearly saw the sunrise. I was so impressed that I dedicated an article to him on Vinoway, perhaps the very first ever written about his venture. Because even then, I saw in him an authentic project, built with soul and vision.
His story deserves to be told. An engineer with a background in Economics and experience in the commercial sector, he had the courage to leave a well-paved path to pursue a dream rooted in his grandparents’ memories and the powerful call of the land. And so, in 2003, the Azienda Agricola Francesco Cirelli was born, among the hills of Atri, in Abruzzo, just a few kilometers from the Adriatic Sea.
His project takes shape across 22 hectares of land where vineyards, olive groves, vegetable gardens, and free-range animals coexist in harmony. No shortcuts—only respect for nature and its cycles. From the very beginning, he chose the path of organic and regenerative agriculture, focused on biodiversity, crop rotation, and the natural fertility of the soil. Every decision is part of an ethical, consistent, and forward-looking vision.
You can taste all of this in his wines. The native varieties—Montepulciano, Trebbiano, Pecorino, Cerasuolo—are cultivated with extreme care and vinified with minimal intervention, allowing the identity of the Abruzzese territory to shine through. One of his most distinctive choices is the use of terracotta amphorae for fermentation and aging: an ancient technique that allows for natural micro-oxygenation and enhances the purity and minerality of the wine.
But he didn’t stop at production: he wanted to open his estate to hospitality as well. Through glamping experiences, guided tours, tastings, and farming activities, he allows visitors to engage in an authentic connection with nature and with the philosophy that guides his every action.
Beyond the capable and visionary winemaker, I’ve always appreciated the man in Francesco. Always smiling, affable, and respectful. He has a graceful way of connecting with others, grounded in sincere listening and a quiet, unpretentious kindness. He doesn’t impose himself, but wins people over with the natural charm of someone truly in love with what he does. And this humanity is reflected in his wines, which never shout—but whisper genuine emotion.
Within him coexist the precision of an engineer and the sensitive soul of the modern farmer. His wines don’t follow trends—they stay true to the land, to time, and to truth. Each bottle tells a story, an idea, a journey.
Cirelli Wines is not just a winery—it’s a manifesto. It’s living proof that real, respectful, and passionate viticulture is possible. And that’s why I continue to follow and support him with admiration and friendship.
I’m happy to recall that his Francesco Cirelli 2022 Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo DOC Rosato received a score of 95/100 and the prestigious Stella recognition in the Vinoway Selection, a confirmation of the value of a project that continues to grow in the name of excellence.
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