INSTITUTE REGIONALE DELLA VITE E DEL VINO TROPHY FOR ITALIAN PRODUCER OF THE YEAR: UMBERTO CESARI
Umberto Cesari is the largest privately owned producer in the Italian region of Emilia Romagna and is also the biggest exporter of wines priced over €5 ex-cellar from the region.
Founded in 1967, the winery¡¯s primary focus is on the production of Sangiovese, particularly as Emilia Romagna is the sole Italian region that may label its wines as Sangiovese DOC ¨C it is also famous for being the home of Parma ham and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese.
The vineyards are located at 300 to 450 metres above sea level and are sheltered by the Calanchi mountain range, which helps to ensure a mild climate. The red grapes ¨C Sangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Bursona Longanesi ¨C are planted on south-westerly exposed sites, while the white grapes ¨C Pignoletto, Trebbiano, Albana, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc ¨C all face north-east.
Today the winery owns 130 hectares of vine on the slopes of Castel San Pietro Terme and rents an additional 150ha from its neighbours. All the vineyards are treated with ¡°the most natural techniques, without the use of chemical compounds¡±.
In 2010 production was 2,600,000 bottles, which were sold in more than 60 countries and the year¡¯s turnover surpassed €13 million. Over 70% of the wine is exported, with half going to the American markets of the US, Canada, the Caribbean and Mexico, 20% to European markets and the final 30% to other countries around the world.
The winery works closely with the research and development departments of the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Bologna and each year 5% of production in the cellar and vineyards is earmarked for research and development purposes.
