Az. Agr. e Cantina di Giovanni Cenci

Introduction

Cantina Cenci is located in the historic rural settlement of Olivetan monks, who were experts in selecting lands adapt for grape and olive cultivation. The winery vineyards are positioned on these lands where the Cenci family has been producing wines for four generations by applying the principles of tradition and innovation. The vines are grown on soil composed of clay, lime, calcium, and high levels of travertine, added with organic fertilizers and controlling the microclimate and overall quality of the grapes to minimize the use of sulphur and copper, according to the organic agriculture processes.

Related modules:

Module 9

Module 3

Name of the farmer/ entrepreneur or other initiative

Az. Agr. di Giovanni Cenci

Year of establishment of the initiative

1950

Location

Vocabolo Anticello Uno, 50, 06072 San Biagio della Valle, Marsciano (Perugia), IT52 Umbria

Case description

The Cenci family has been making wine for four generations by practicing wine cultivation respecting tradition and characteristics of the territory inherited by the Olivetan monks, source of inspiration for the Cenci family. In the early 1950s, Mario, an experienced and innovative agrarian, grandfather of Giovanni, who is currently managing the farm, selected the first grape clones of Grechetto, Sangiovese, and Malvasia from the vines that the Olivetan monks cultivated, and the first vineyards of Cantina Cenci were planted. In 2012, the new cantina was inaugurated after a 2-year renovation of the winery headquarters overseen by architect Mario Cenci, Giovanni’s brother. Cantina Cenci is able to offer high organic quality wines for a niche sector, combining a deep respect for tradition with innovative and advanced technologies, from the field to the cellar, under the guidance of Giovanni Cenci who acts as the winery’s viticulturist, winemaker, and sommelier. The emphasis placed on tradition combined with an environmental respect, digital technologies focused on field weather forecasting and innovative perspective has forged a clear definition of the company identity.

Total area or number of animals

40 ha total area of which 7 ha vineyards, 28 ha arable land (durum wheat, barley, field bean, alfalfa and sunflower), 0.3 ha olive grove and 0.6 ha pond.

Main agricultural activity and Multifunctional activities

Vineyards, wine production

Critical challenges of the farm/ the region

Decreasing wine production carbon footprint, use of non-synthetic chemicals permitted by organic farming and GHG emissions

CSA Activity

The Cenci farm and winery pays particular attention to environmental and production factors, which can improve the quality of the wine by reducing the use of non-synthetic chemicals permitted for organic farming and maintain a natural ecosystem. To achieve these results, a control unit receives the necessary information from the sensors in the field to determine the exact timing of treatments with natural plant protection products, avoiding excessive use of non-synthetic chemical products, such as copper sulphate and Bordeaux mixture, and avoiding unnecessary dispersion. The computer on the farm receives and processes the data with algorithms determining the day and time for intervention and issuing a report. This activity directly carried out by the owner is also supervised by a delocalized decision support system. A natural spring pond adjacent to the vineyard serves not only to provide water for the drip irrigation system, but also to create an ecosystem and microclimate favourable to biodiversity and the natural habitat of the vines.

The care of the field and the healthy condition of the vineyards is combined with the care of wines skilfully created from pure grape varieties or in blends that enhance their organoleptic characteristics. The wine cellar is therefore equipped with climate control and high-quality vats and barrels that ensure refinement under constant oenological control.

Reason for engaging in CSA/ Triggering moment for implementation

Caring for quality according to a vision based on the preservation of traditional heritage and the use of the most innovative techniques of field and cellar control, also implies paying special attention to current climate changes and the related mitigation and adaptation activities. This is the reason for integrating the organic farming methodology, including a drip irrigation system for water saving, with a reliable and constant decision support system.

Description of the innovation

The innovation in this case is simple but effective, based on local meteorological data constantly collected and cross-referenced with satellite data. This method, without neglecting the technical visual control in the field, allows you to precisely determine the times, methods and quantities necessary for preventive interventions anticipating the presence of cryptogams or other plant diseases.

Implementation Process of the innovation & used methods of innovation management

The function of the decision support system takes place directly under the control of the farmer in real time, with an implementation of the satellite data of the delocalized central system and with an algorithmic reprocessing of the data for determining the times, methods and quantities of the technical means with which to intervene.

Todays Results of this implementation

The decision support system allowed an estimated saving of 30% of pesticide and fungicide products and a 15% water saving by regulating supply and flow based on weather forecasts.

SWOT of the Case today

The company’s strong points come from a vision of quality that starts from the field and reaches the cellar which has managed to combine tradition and innovation. The weak points consist in the relative narrowness of the niche market interested in the natural, as well as biological, and environmental quality of the products.

The opportunities are determined by a growing attention to these factors on the part of a market which, although niche, is growing. The threats consist of the risks of contamination outside the company, fortunately not very widespread in the surrounding area, and of possible environmental risks due to climate change, which are not yet so serious today, but liable to worsen in the future due to the increase in temperatures, and therefore to drought and thermal stress, or to very concentrated and intense sudden rainfall.

Education/ Training of the decision makers/ leading persons

Giovanni, the owner, was able to take advantage of a two-year internship at the Institute of Vine and Wine Sciences in Bordeaux where he perfected his knowledge provided by the master’s degree in agri-food production sciences at the University of Perugia. In addition to this he was able to participate in courses promoted by “CIA Italian Farmers” and other private initiatives. Further training help comes from constant participation in the main international wine fairs.

Outlook/ Aims and Goals

The Cenci farm and winery is an established reality through the work of four generations and the development that the current owner wanted to impress in the name of quality and sustainability. Further developments may include ancillary photovoltaic energy production to further reduce the company’s carbon footprint.

Lessons Learned/ Recommendations

Giovanni Cenci’s experience demonstrates that combining tradition and innovation, product quality and environmental sustainability is possible and recommendable. Respecting the territory and one’s origins is a necessary step to go further, open up to the knowledge of other worlds and other knowledges and cultures, and invest in a future in which new technologies and artificial intelligence cannot replace but contribute to the success and to a sound relationship with the environment.

Result, Success & Risk Factors

Actual today’s situation

The current business configuration is balanced, guarantees a successful niche and does not present risks of precariousness or failure. The local market is increasingly opening up to this type of quality natural products and exports are growing thanks to global information.

Dependence of any kind of ongoing support/ subsidy?

The company is not dependent on investment loans and the youth of the owner guarantees a future of continuity.

Dependence of specific regional/ personal aspects?

The production specifications for geographical indications and initiatives such as the Wine Routes in Umbria and participation in projects with European funding from the Rural Development Complement together with Operational Groups with university and research centers allow us to delve into possible developments of further innovation.

Applicability in other regions/ other situations

The experience of the case study is related to the wine sector, without geographical limitations of the concepts expressed, but also with the possibility of use, in particular for the versatility of decision support processes, in other agricultural and agri-food sectors.

Project N. 2022-1-DE02-KA220-VET-000089615

Contact email: info@innocsa.eu

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