We like to think of Small Victories as a champion not only for producers but also for regions that do not get the recognition that they deserve. Tenuta Ceri is an estate that has been getting some wonderful accolades (in 2024, they were honored as Gambero Rosso’s “Emerging Winery of the Year”), but overall, their tiny region of Carmignano is not on the radar of a majority of Italian wine lovers in the US.

Carmignano is one of Italy’s smallest yet most historic wine regions, with just 250 acres planted and 15 producers. Grand Duke Cosimo III de’ Medici legally protected its name in the early 1700s when he identified it as one of the top 4 regions in Tuscany for producing wine- this was two centuries before the AOC or DOC systems existed! Also during this period, Carmignano was established as a nursery for grape varieties, which included the planting of internationally renowned Cabernet Sauvignon imported from France, where Catherine de’ Medici was queen. After Phylloxera devastated the region, vineyards were re-planted with cuttings brought over from Château Lafite Rothschild in France. With such a rich history, we are excited to be friends with one of the few producers continuing to protect the traditions of the region.

Eduardo Ceri, the brilliant mind behind Tenuta Ceri is an exceptional producer with an inspiring vision. He recently took the reins from his father Luca and is tirelessly working to build on what his father began. “It’s thanks to him that the project took shape and turned into a winery,” Eduardo explains of his father. “A winery that is so big and beautiful, beyond my needs. But that’s him. He goes full throttle and always big.”

Tenuta Ceri’s farm spans 35 hectares (16 of which are dedicated to vines) in the hills of Montalbano. The winery is certified organic and Eduardo spends most of his time in the vineyards developing trellising and pruning techniques that work specifically to protect the grapes from the hot Tuscan sun. Eduardo consulted closely with the famous winemaker, Alberto Antonini, when crafting the first few vintages to ensure that Tenuta Ceri’s wines would showcase all of the careful work he did in the vineyards. 

Tenuta Ceri is playing a key role in restoring Carmignano to its rightful prominence, and we are excited to support this effort by bringing their exceptional wines to you.