Cesconi

Cesconi is a family winery in the village of Pressano, Trentino, run by four brothers who have transformed their estate from a fruit supplier into one of Northern Italy's most accomplished producers. They shifted from selling all their grapes to the local cooperative at Lavis to making some of Italy's most exciting white wines. The key distinction: their whites deliver intensity and perfume without the weight that slows down some top Friuli wines, while their reds show genuine concentration and depth for the region.

About Cesconi

The Cesconi brothers inherited vines on steep Pressano hillsides reaching 30° slopes at around 500 metres elevation. Their approach to viticulture combines organic certification with biodynamic principles across the entire holding. The terroir—shallow but mineral-rich soils with limestone content and Triassic base rock—releases minerals gradually, building complexity in the bottle. Their oldest vines average 35 years, trained on pergola systems at approximately 3,500 vines per hectare.

The brothers have invested heavily in developing superior selections of Nosiola, Trentino's native white grape variety. The result is a zesty, aromatic wine ideal for warm months—fresher than many neighbours' interpretations. Their Pinot Grigio shows rare aromatic intensity that gains complexity with age. 'Olivar', a barrel-fermented blend of Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay, ranks among Trentino's finest white wines: structured, mineral-driven, built for food.

Red wine quality has improved considerably in recent years. The Cesconi brothers blended in Lagrein and Teroldego—two regional varieties with character—to create 'Moratèl', a four-grape blend (Merlot, Lagrein, Cabernet Sauvignon, Teroldego) that displays ripeness and flavour depth rarely found in regional reds. These are not light, forgettable wines; they have body and presence without overripeness.

Cesconi Wines in Our Collection

The 2024 Pinot Grigio (92 points, Vivino 4.2) is aromatic yet structurally intense—a white that demands food, works with shellfish and aged cheeses, and rewards keeping for two to three years. The 2023 and 2022 Nosiola (92 points, Vivino 3.8) delivers that native grape character: mineral, zesty, with herbal notes that sing with summer vegetables and fish. It's the lighter aperitif choice if you want something with more edge than standard Pinot Grigio.

'Olivar' appears in both 2022 and 2019 vintages (92 points, Vivino 4.1). This is the serious white—barrel-fermented, layered, capable of ageing. The 2019 shows what bottle time achieves: further complexity, broader texture, deeper mineral expression. For reds, the 2021 Moratèl (92 points, Vivino 3.9) and 2019 Moratèl offer genuine substance. Concentrated without heaviness, these are reds that work with roasted meats, game, and rich pasta dishes.

Food Pairing

Nosiola and Pinot Grigio pair with coastal ingredients: scallops, mussels, briny seafood, and white fish prepared simply. 'Olivar' matches aged cheeses, roasted vegetables, and dishes with cream or butter sauces. Moratèl suits roasted lamb, venison, wild mushroom risotto, and aged beef. The mineral backbone of all these wines cuts through fat and salt, making them reliable partners for richly prepared food.

What makes Cesconi different from other Trentino producers?

The brothers farm organically and biodynamically, selecting superior Nosiola clones. Their whites are more intense and perfumed than Friuli wines without the weight; their reds show greater concentration than regional peers.

Which Cesconi wine should I start with?

Try Nosiola for a fresh, zesty summer white. Choose Pinot Grigio for complexity and ageing potential. Pick 'Olivar' for a serious white with structure. Moratèl offers red wine substance.

How old are Cesconi's vineyards?

Vines average 35 years old, planted at 3,500 per hectare on steep Pressano slopes reaching 500 metres elevation with shallow, mineral-rich soils.

Who makes Cesconi wines?

Four brothers run Cesconi, a family winery in Pressano, Trentino, Northern Italy. They transformed their estate from a fruit supplier into an accomplished producer, moving away from selling grapes to the local cooperative to make their own wines.

What style of wine does Cesconi make?

Cesconi makes white wines from Nosiola, Pinot Grigio, and Olivar (a Pinot Bianco, Grigio and Chardonnay blend) with green, flinty character. Their reds—Moratèl, a four-grape blend—are light and perfumed. All score 92 points and deliver intensity without excessive weight.

How much does Cesconi wine cost?

Cesconi wines range between £20.70 and £29.90. Entry-level options like Nosiola start around £21; Pinot Grigio sits near £23; Olivar and Moratèl, their premium expressions, reach £29.75–£29.90 and £22–£22.90 respectively.