Church Cadastre – (1727–1734) Extract from a map showing the Anticello Estate, which at the time was part of the property of the Olivetan Monks of Monte Morcino. (Source: State Archives of Perugia)

The Cenci Family has been dedicated to viticulture for over four generations, continuing to cultivate the vine with deep respect for the traditions and unique characteristics of the land once owned by the Olivetan monks.

Secundo Lancellotti, Historiae Olivetanae, 1623 – Page 154, Book II A historical record of the donation of the Anticello Estate in San Biagio della Valle to the Olivetan Monks.

The earliest historical records of the Anticello Estate—now home to Cantina Cenci—can be traced back to page 154 of Book II in Historiae Olivetanae by Secundo Lancellotti, published in 1623.

Lancellotti recounts that in 1389, a man named Andrea Giole donated land near San Biagio della Valle to the Olivetan Monastery of Monte Morcino in Perugia. The original text reads:

"A chapel was erected at the monastery, and this chapel was endowed with all the lands that [the donor: Andrea Giole] owned in the territory of San Biagio della Valle, as well as the house in Perugia in the Porta Eburnea district."

The creation of our new logo

Among the enduring signs of the Olivetan stewardship of the estate is a travertine milestone engraved with the order’s symbol, placed at the entrance of the farmhouse. This very emblem inspired the new logo of Cantina Cenci.

In the early 1950s, Mario—an enlightened and forward-thinking agricultural expert, and grandfather of Giovanni—selected clones of Grechetto, Sangiovese, and Malvasia from vines once cultivated by the Olivetan monks and traditionally grown intertwined with mulberry trees.

He planted the first vineyards of the estate, and the wines made from those grapes were of such outstanding quality that he secured a long-term contract to supply Grechetto and Sangiovese in traditional flasks to the restaurant of a prestigious hotel in Perugia.

In 2012, following two years of renovation of the farmhouse, the new winery was inaugurated under the guidance of Mario Cenci, architect and brother of Giovanni.

Thanks to cutting-edge equipment and winemaking techniques—combined with deep respect for tradition and the passionate leadership of Giovanni Cenci (viticulturist, enologist, food biotechnologist, and sommelier)—Cantina Cenci today produces wines appreciated by a niche audience of expert consumers.

The perfect balance between tradition and innovation has shaped a strong and distinctive brand identity.