The Soul of Cesanese
Cantina Ferracci is the small, biodynamic, natural winery of Marco Ferracci, nestled in the clay-limestone hills near the historic town of Affile in the province of Rome, Lazio. It is an artisanal project born from a deep, generational connection to a specific, ancient terroir — a place where the indigenous Cesanese di Affile grape has been cultivated for centuries on hillsides that look toward the Roman countryside. Marco Ferracci is not merely a winemaker; he is a guardian of a nearly forgotten variety, a practitioner of biodynamic viticulture, and a believer in the power of minimal intervention to reveal the true character of the land. His philosophy is captured in the estate's motto: "Biodynamic as state of mind" — a declaration that biodynamics is not merely a certification or a set of practices, but a way of thinking, feeling, and being in relationship with the vineyard. The result is a small but highly regarded range of natural wines that have earned the attention of enthusiasts and critics who understand that Cantina Ferracci represents something rare: a fusion of family tradition, organic and biodynamic viticulture, and an unwavering commitment to letting the indigenous grapes of Lazio speak with their own voice.
Family, Land & Biodynamic Conviction
The story of Cantina Ferracci is a story of family, of land, and of a passionate viticulturist's determination to preserve his family's vineyards and express the unique character of the Affile terroir through wines of purity and authenticity. Marco Ferracci is the heart and soul of the estate — a man who has dedicated his life to the vines, the soil, and the traditions of the Roman hills. He is not merely a winemaker; he is a guardian of a specific, historic terroir, a steward of indigenous grapes, and a believer in the power of low-intervention winemaking to reveal the true character of the land. His family has a long history in the area, but Marco has chosen a different path from the conventional agriculture that surrounds him — a path of biodynamic farming, natural fermentation, and absolute respect for the Cesanese di Affile grape.
The estate is located in the province of Rome, in the hills near the town of Affile — a historic area known for its unique red grape, Cesanese di Affile, and for its beautiful, rolling countryside that has been cultivated since antiquity. Affile is a town of ancient origins, situated in the Aniene valley, surrounded by hills that have long been devoted to viticulture. The vineyards of Cantina Ferracci are planted on these hillsides, where the mix of clay and limestone soils, the elevation, and the temperate climate create conditions of remarkable viticultural potential. The area is part of the broader Cesanese di Affile DOC, a denomination that recognizes the unique qualities of this specific corner of Lazio and the grape that has defined it for generations.
Marco Ferracci's approach to winemaking is rooted in a deep respect for the land and a desire to produce wines that are a pure expression of their terroir. He believes in a mix of tradition and modern, natural methods — honoring the agricultural wisdom of his ancestors while embracing the insights of biodynamic viticulture and natural winemaking. This philosophy extends from the vineyard to the cellar: organic farming practices that nurture biodiversity and soil health; hands-off winemaking techniques that allow the wine to develop its own character without forced intervention; and a refusal to follow trends or commercial pressures in favor of authenticity and place. For Marco, the wine is not a product to be manufactured but a living expression of the land, the season, and the grape — a reflection of the dialogue between nature and human care.
Today, Cantina Ferracci is recognized as one of the most exciting small producers in the Lazio natural wine scene — a winery that has earned the attention of natural wine enthusiasts, critics, and fellow producers who understand that Marco's work represents something rare: a fusion of generational knowledge, biodynamic viticulture, and an unwavering commitment to letting the indigenous grapes of Lazio speak with their own voice. The estate has been featured by The Grape Reset, RAW WINE, and a growing network of international importers and retailers who seek out wines of authenticity and place. Marco's wines are not merely beverages; they are stories — stories of a family, a hill, a historic grape, and a conviction that biodynamics is not just a method but a state of mind.
"Cantina Ferracci is a natural wine producer in the Lazio region of Italy. It's a small, artisanal project known for its commitment to indigenous grapes and a hands-off approach to winemaking."
— The Grape Reset
Clay-Limestone Hills & Cesanese di Affile
Cantina Ferracci's vineyards are located in the hills near Affile, in the province of Rome, Lazio — a region of extraordinary viticultural character that stretches through the Aniene valley and the surrounding Roman countryside. The Cesanese di Affile DOC is a historic denomination that recognizes the unique qualities of this specific corner of Lazio: the clay-limestone soils, the temperate climate, and the indigenous Cesanese di Affile grape that has been cultivated here for centuries. Marco Ferracci's vineyards are planted on these hillsides, where the unique microclimate — influenced by the elevation, the valley winds, and the proximity to the Apennine mountains — creates conditions of remarkable balance and viticultural potential.
The terroir is shaped by the mix of clay and limestone soils that define the Affile hills. The clay provides body, structure, and the ability to retain moisture during the warm, dry summers of central Italy, while the limestone contributes the distinct mineral backbone and fresh acidity that characterize the wines of the area. The soils are well-drained, forcing the vines to dig deep for water and nutrients, which in turn produces grapes of greater concentration and complexity. The elevation — the vineyards are situated on hillsides that rise above the Aniene valley — provides crucial diurnal temperature variation: warm days that allow for full phenolic ripeness, cool nights that preserve acidity and freshness, and a constant air movement that keeps the vines healthy and reduces humidity-related diseases.
Farming at Cantina Ferracci is organic and deeply informed by biodynamic principles, though Marco's approach goes beyond certification to embrace a holistic, spiritual relationship with the vineyard. He does not use chemical pesticides, herbicides, or synthetic fertilizers, relying instead on natural methods to nurture the soil and protect the vines. The focus is on biodiversity — on creating a vineyard environment where beneficial insects, native plants, and natural predators thrive, creating a self-regulating ecosystem that reduces the need for intervention. The harvest is entirely manual, with rigorous selection of only the healthiest, most concentrated bunches. Marco personally oversees every aspect of the viticultural cycle, from pruning to harvest, ensuring that the grapes that enter the cellar are of the highest quality and express the unique character of the Affile terroir.
The grape varieties are the indigenous treasures of Lazio — varieties that have adapted over centuries to the local soils, climate, and farming practices, and that produce wines of unmistakable regional character. The red grape is Cesanese di Affile — the unique, historic variety that defines the area, a grape of remarkable depth, savory complexity, and rustic elegance that produces wines of extraordinary personality and aging potential. The white grape is Passerina — a native variety of freshness, floral aromatics, and crisp mineral character that thrives in the clay-limestone soils of the Roman hills. Together, these varieties form the backbone of Cantina Ferracci's portfolio — each one expressing a different facet of the Lazio terroir, each one a pure, unadorned expression of place and history.
Province of Rome, Lazio. Near historic town of Affile in the Aniene valley. Rolling hills surrounded by Roman countryside. Elevation above the valley floor. Temperate climate with Apennine influence. Warm days, cool nights, constant valley breezes. Historic viticultural area recognized for unique Cesanese di Affile grape. Extraordinary potential for indigenous varieties.
Mix of clay and limestone soils on hillside vineyards. Clay provides body, structure, moisture retention. Limestone contributes mineral backbone and fresh acidity. Excellent drainage forces deep root systems. Distinctive Affile character: savory depth, rustic elegance, mineral freshness. Valley winds and elevation reduce humidity and disease pressure naturally.
Organic farming with deep biodynamic principles. No chemical pesticides, herbicides, or synthetic fertilizers. Focus on biodiversity and healthy ecosystem. Beneficial insects, native plants, natural predators. Self-regulating vineyard environment. Manual harvest with rigorous selection. Marco personally oversees every aspect of viticulture. "Biodynamic as state of mind" — not merely certification but a way of being.
Red — Cesanese di Affile (unique historic variety, depth, savory complexity, rustic elegance, aging potential). White — Passerina (native, fresh, floral, crisp mineral character). Both indigenous, adapted over centuries to local soils and climate. Hand-harvested with rigorous selection. Pure expressions of Lazio terroir and historic grape heritage.
Hands-Off & Vessel Diversity
At Cantina Ferracci, the cellar philosophy is one of hands-off, low-intervention winemaking — a commitment to producing wines that are a pure and honest expression of the Lazio terroir, with no forced corrections, no heavy manipulation, and no masking of the grape's natural character. Marco Ferracci believes that the wine knows what it wants to become, and that his role is to guide, not to force — to bring in perfectly healthy, organically grown grapes and allow them to ferment, evolve, and express themselves with the minimum of human interference. The result is a small but highly regarded range of natural wines that are bright, fresh, and deeply expressive of the Affile terroir — wines that taste of the clay-limestone hills, the valley breezes, and the indigenous grapes that have defined Lazio viticulture for centuries.
The techniques are minimal, respectful, and deeply informed by Marco's commitment to natural expression:
"Ave Petrus" — The Signature Cesanese: The Ave Petrus is Cantina Ferracci's most celebrated and distinctive wine — the signature red that encapsulates everything Marco Ferracci believes about biodynamic viticulture, natural winemaking, and the transformative power of patience, respect, and minimal intervention. It is not merely a red wine; it is a testament to the beauty of Cesanese di Affile when grown on clay-limestone soils, the courage of a viticulturist who chose transparency over trend, and the enduring magic of wines that honor the land without excessive intervention. Made from 100% Cesanese di Affile, it is a full-bodied red with a distinct savory and rustic character that captures the essence of the Affile terroir. The name "Ave Petrus" evokes the ancient, spiritual history of the region — a nod to the deep roots of viticulture in this corner of Lazio. The grapes are hand-harvested from the estate's biodynamic vineyards, gently pressed, and fermented with indigenous yeasts at controlled temperatures in a variety of vessels — old wooden barrels, stainless steel, and other containers chosen to allow the wine to express its unique character without being overshadowed by wood. No fining, no filtration. Minimal sulfur. In the glass, it is deep ruby with garnet reflections. The nose offers dark cherry, plum, wild herbs, black pepper, and a distinct earthy, smoky note that speaks of the clay-limestone soils of Affile. The palate is full-bodied, with firm yet approachable tannins, vibrant acidity, a textured mouthfeel, and a long, savory, slightly rustic finish. It is a wine of great personality — the quintessential expression of Lazio red wine. Serve at 16–18°C. 3–5 years ageing potential. ~$18–$28 / ~€16–€25.
"Onirico" — The Lighter Cesanese: The Onirico is Cantina Ferracci's lighter, more approachable expression of Cesanese di Affile — a wine that captures the same indigenous character as the Ave Petrus but with a gentler touch, a lighter body, and an emphasis on immediate drinkability. Also made from 100% Cesanese di Affile, it is fermented with indigenous yeasts and aged with minimal intervention, but with a shorter maceration and a lighter élevage that preserves the grape's natural freshness and fruit. In the glass, it is bright ruby with violet reflections. The nose offers red cherry, wild strawberry, rose petal, and a hint of white pepper. The palate is medium-bodied, with soft tannins, lively acidity, and a clean, fruity finish. It is a wine of everyday pleasure — perfect with simple pasta dishes, grilled vegetables, or a casual evening with friends. Serve at 14–16°C. Drink within 2–3 years. ~$16–$24 / ~€14–€22.
"Quipe'" — The Passerina White: The Quipe' is Cantina Ferracci's white wine — a pure expression of the native Passerina grape, a variety of remarkable freshness, floral aromatics, and crisp mineral character that thrives in the clay-limestone soils of the Roman hills. Passerina is a grape of ancient origins, cultivated in central Italy for centuries and prized for its ability to produce wines of elegance and immediacy. At Cantina Ferracci, it is fermented with indigenous yeasts and aged in a variety of vessels chosen to preserve its delicate aromatics and fresh character. In the glass, it is pale straw with greenish reflections. The nose offers white flowers, citrus, green apple, almond, and a distinct mineral, stony note. The palate is light to medium-bodied, with crisp acidity, a slightly waxy texture, and a clean, mineral finish. It is a wine of everyday pleasure — perfect with seafood, fresh cheeses, or simply in the sun. Serve well chilled at 8–10°C. Drink within 1–2 years. ~$14–$20 / ~€12–€18.
"The Rouge" — The Experimental Red: The Rouge is Cantina Ferracci's experimental red — a wine that showcases Marco's willingness to push boundaries and explore new expressions of the Cesanese di Affile grape. While details vary by vintage, it typically represents a different maceration approach, a different vessel, or a different selection of grapes that produces a wine with its own distinct personality. It is a testament to Marco's curiosity and his refusal to be bound by convention — a wine that proves that even within the framework of natural winemaking and indigenous varieties, there is room for exploration, intuition, and surprise. Serve at 16–18°C. Drink within 2–4 years. ~$18–$26 / ~€16–€24.
Vessels & Ageing: Cantina Ferracci works with a diverse array of vessels — old wooden barrels, stainless steel tanks, and other containers — each chosen according to the wine, the vintage, and Marco's intuition. There is no single formula; the choice of vessel is always made in service of the wine's natural expression, not in pursuit of a house style. The old wood adds subtle complexity and allows for gentle oxygen exchange without imposing oak flavors. The stainless steel preserves freshness, primary fruit, and vibrant acidity. Other containers may be used for specific cuvées, reflecting Marco's experimental spirit and his commitment to finding the best possible expression for each wine. All wines are fermented with indigenous yeasts, unfined and unfiltered, with minimal sulfur added — preserving their natural textures, living yeasts, and authentic flavors. The result is a portfolio of wines that are unmistakably Cantina Ferracci — alive, authentic, and deeply connected to the clay-limestone soul of Affile.
"Ave Petrus" — "100% Cesanese di Affile — Hand-Harvested from Biodynamic Clay-Limestone Vineyards in Affile, Indigenous Yeast Fermentation in Diverse Vessels, Unfined, Unfiltered, Minimal Sulfur — The Signature Red of the Roman Hills"
The Ave Petrus is Cantina Ferracci's most celebrated and distinctive wine — the signature red that encapsulates everything Marco Ferracci believes about biodynamic viticulture, natural winemaking, and the transformative power of patience, respect, and minimal intervention. It is not merely a red wine; it is a testament to the beauty of Cesanese di Affile when grown on clay-limestone soils, the courage of a viticulturist who chose transparency over trend, and the enduring magic of wines that honor the land without excessive intervention. The name evokes the ancient, spiritual history of the region — a nod to the deep roots of viticulture in this corner of Lazio.
The viticulture is biodynamic and organic. No chemical pesticides, no synthetic herbicides, no artificial fertilizers. Marco Ferracci focuses on maintaining a healthy, biodiverse ecosystem in the vineyard — creating an environment where beneficial insects, native plants, and natural predators thrive, forming a self-regulating system that reduces the need for intervention. The harvest is entirely manual, with rigorous selection of only the healthiest, most concentrated bunches — each one picked by hand from vines planted on the clay-limestone hillsides of Affile.
In the cellar, the Cesanese di Affile grapes are gently pressed and fermented with indigenous yeasts at controlled temperatures in a variety of vessels — old wooden barrels, stainless steel, and other containers chosen to allow the wine to express its unique character without being overshadowed by wood. No commercial yeasts, no enzymes, no additives. No fining, no filtration. Minimal sulfur is added — only what is necessary to ensure stability without masking the wine's natural character. The result is a wine that is alive, authentic, and deeply connected to the place from which it comes.
In the glass, it is deep ruby with garnet reflections — alive, vibrant, authentic. The nose is intense and evolving: dark cherry, plum, wild herbs, black pepper, and a distinct earthy, smoky note that speaks of the clay-limestone soils of Affile. There are notes of dried flowers, a hint of balsamic, and a subtle mineral quality that adds depth and intrigue. The palate is full-bodied, with firm yet approachable tannins, vibrant acidity, a textured mouthfeel, and a long, savory, slightly rustic finish that lingers with a gentle earthy kiss. It is a wine of great personality — a wine that proves Cesanese di Affile, when grown biodynamically on the right soils and made with minimal intervention, can produce reds of both immediacy and profound depth, of both pleasure and intellectual challenge.
The Ave Petrus is a wine of the table — it pairs beautifully with rich pasta dishes, roasted meats, aged cheeses, grilled vegetables, or simply with good bread and olive oil. Serve at 16–18°C. It will reward 3–5 years of cellaring, developing more dried fruit, tobacco, and mineral complexity. Every bottle is a testament to the power of clay-limestone terroir, the beauty of Cesanese di Affile, and the enduring magic of wines that honor the land without excessive intervention. ~$18–$28 / ~€16–€25.
The Cantina Ferracci Range
Marco Ferracci produces a small, organic, natural portfolio from his biodynamic vineyards in the hills near Affile, province of Rome, Lazio. All wines are estate-grown, hand-harvested, and made with indigenous yeasts. No commercial yeasts, no enzymes, no additives. No fining, no filtration. Only minimal sulfur. Fermented and aged in a variety of vessels — old wood, stainless steel, and other containers — chosen to allow each wine to express its unique character without being overshadowed by wood. The portfolio includes two reds and one white, plus occasional experimental cuvées — each one a pure, honest expression of the Affile terroir and Marco's commitment to low-intervention winemaking. Prices are approximate and in USD/EUR.
Cantina Ferracci produces a small, biodynamic, natural portfolio from its vineyards in the hills near Affile, province of Rome, Lazio. All wines are estate-grown, hand-harvested, and made with indigenous yeasts. No fining, no filtration, minimal sulfur. Vessels vary by vintage and cuvée: old wood, stainless steel, and other containers. The portfolio is small and focused — Cesanese di Affile and Passerina, the indigenous treasures of the Roman hills. Availability is limited due to the small scale and natural production methods. Contact the winery directly or visit The Grape Reset, RAW WINE, and select natural wine retailers for availability. Visits by appointment.