Ciro Picariello

Summonte, Campania, Italy Ciro Picariello looks as if he could be a Roman landowner from Italy’s ancient era, with his broad shoulders, rugged cut, and easygoing smile. He is one of the country’s quintessentially traditional winemakers. He is straightforward about his approach, immune to the praise lavished upon him in the media, and not one to obsess about crafting a so-called “perfect” wine. His winery at Summonte sits at 650 meters above sea level. Ciro works with his wife Rita and their children, Bruno and Emma. Five hectares of his steep vineyards are planted with Fiano, the remaining two with the region’s indigenous red varieties: Aglianico, Piedirosso, and Sciascinoso. A member of the Slow Food Consortium in Italy, Ciro makes wines that demonstrate his commitment to preserving Italy’s rich viticultural heritage.