Nestled amid the serene hills of Piedmont’s famed ‘Colli Tortonesi’, Sassaia Winery is rewriting the story of minimal sulfite winemaking. With a deep connection to its heritage and an unwavering commitment to sustainability, this family-owned estate has embraced innovation to craft wines of exceptional purity. Central to their groundbreaking approach is bio-protection—a natural method that not only enhances the wine’s quality but underscores Sassaia’s ethos of minimalist intervention and respect for nature.
A tale of heritage and passion
The de Alessandrini di Neuenstein family founded the Sassaia Winery in 2012, but their holistic approach to well-being traces back to the 16th century. With a legacy deeply tied to tradition and respect for nature, the family has always prioritized quality and sustainability. Inspired by a commitment to preserving the environment and crafting authentic wines, Sassaia combines time-honored methods with a forward-thinking approach to winemaking.
The Art of Bio-Protection
In large-scale commercial fermentation, sulfur and cultured strains of Saccharomyces yeast play a crucial role. Sulfur is initially added during processing to eliminate native flora and microbes, creating a sterile environment for introducing the selected yeast strain. This method ensures a controlled and reliable fermentation process, making it a standard practice in large-batch winemaking. However, it requires the use of sulfites from the beginning.
Meet the two fascinating yeast strains central to Sassaia’s philosophy: Metschnikowia pulcherrima and Torulaspora delbrueckii. These strains naturally exist in vineyards and on grapes, coexisting with the primary fermenter, Saccharomyces. However, their limited presence often isn’t enough to shield Saccharomyces from harmful microbes, which is why sulfur is commonly used in large-scale winemaking. In small-batch, low-sulfite winemaking, these microorganisms play a crucial role in enhancing natural aromatics. Beyond driving fermentation, they serve as nature’s own safeguard, helping create wines with minimal sulfites and enriched natural complexity.
Meet Nature’s Substitute for Sulfur in Winemaking
Metschnikowia pulcherrima serves as a natural preservative, consuming oxygen and reducing the need for added sulfites. This powerful trait protects the wine’s integrity, allowing its true character to shine without reliance on chemical additives. Meanwhile, Torulaspora delbrueckii forms a defensive shield against unwanted microorganisms, fostering a stable, pristine environment for the wine’s development. Together, these yeast strains form the backbone of Sassaia’s bio-protection strategy, harmonizing with the estate’s dedication to natural processes. By allowing these strains to take the lead, Sassaia ensures each bottle tells an authentic story—rooted in its terroir and unspoiled by unnecessary interventions.
Without BioProtection (Mold and Microbes are present):
Significant presence of moulds and potentially undesirable microorganisms on grapes at the end of the picking day.
With BioProtection you can see active yeast “crowding out” microbial and mold activity: No presence of molds detected, with exclusive and progressive colonization by Torulaspora delbrueckii and Metschnikowia pulcherrima. Population levels, confirmed through qPCR analysis, reached 9.6 x 10⁶ cells/mL. (Laffort Research)
A Commitment to Sustainability
Sustainability lies at the very core of Sassaia’s operations, influencing practices from vineyard to cellar. The estate proudly holds SQNPI certification, reflecting its adherence to eco-friendly methods at every stage of winemaking. From reducing chemical inputs to implementing energy-efficient technologies, Sassaia prioritizes long-term environmental stewardship.
This commitment extends to their innovative bio-protection methods, which enable significantly lower use of sulfites. This approach resonates with today’s health-conscious wine enthusiasts, who seek options that are both mindful of wellbeing and rich in authenticity. By focusing on natural flavors and craftsmanship, Sassaia attracts those who appreciate wines made with care and a profound respect for the earth.
Wines That Reflect Dedication
The exceptional quality of Sassaia’s wines is a testament to their meticulous practices. Among the standouts is the Derthona Timorasso, a wine that has gained widespread acclaim and solidified Sassaia’s reputation as a leader in its field. Honored with the prestigious Falstaff Award in 2021, this wine embodies the estate’s ability to blend timeless traditions with modern advances.
Each sip of Sassaia’s wines reveals their commitment to excellence. Vibrant fruit flavors and pronounced minerality paint a vivid picture of the Monleale terroir, where the interplay of soil, sun, and winemaking artistry reaches its peak. These wines are crafted not just to satisfy the palate but to captivate the senses, offering a harmonious expression that celebrates both the land and the winemakers’ dedication.
A Vision Rooted in Heritage and Progress
Sassaia Winery’s bio-protection strategy is more than just a technical innovation—it’s a reflection of their core values. By championing natural processes, they preserve the essence of their vineyards while safeguarding the environment for future generations. This delicate balance of tradition and progress defines Sassaia’s vision, guiding them as stewards of both wine and the planet.
Amid a growing demand for transparency and sustainability in the wine industry, Sassaia’s approach offers a fresh perspective. Their work reminds us that the finest wines are born from respect—for nature, for heritage, and for the craft of winemaking. With every bottle, Sassaia inspires us to raise our glasses to innovation rooted in time-honored principles.
Experience the Difference
Discover the artistry behind Sassaia’s wines by exploring their collection and tasting the results of their tireless dedication. With a glass of their renowned Derthona Timorasso or any of their handcrafted vintages, you’ll experience the perfect union of nature’s brilliance and human ingenuity—a celebration of winemaking at its most authentic.
