Natural organic wines
without sulphites
The farm
I belong to a “new generation of farmers,” a batch of younger Europeanswho have returned to the landin the last decade. Many of us are drawn to traditional farming practices, although we lack the guidance of established agricultural traditions that fostered deep connections with the land in the past. This choice to return to agriculture is driven partly by economic pressures facing our generation, but primarily by a deepening concern for the ecological challenges facing our planet and future generations. Our goal is to blend tradition with technology in sustainable and regenerative ways, seeking to address the pressing issues of our time while honouringlong-standing farming and wine-making traditions.
In 2014, I embarked on my journey of natural winemaking in Sostegno, Italy, situated in the western area of the Biella region in North Piedmont. Sostegno boasts picturesque rolling hills adorned with farms and vineyards. My venture began with the restoration of vineyards previously tended by older farmers, gradually expanding to cultivate new vineyards with carefully nurtured soil.
Approximately 3 hectares of land are currently managed under certified organic practices, reflecting my commitment to producing premium goods while prioritizing environmental conservation and sustainable land stewardship on this small to medium-sized family farm.
The landscape
Until the 1970s, Sostegno existed as a village with a predominantly agricultural economy in the Biella area, complemented by a rich tradition in textiles. The region produced wine, fruits, particularly apples, and maintained a more controlled landscape. Over the past five decades, however, an unintentional process of re-wilding has transformed the landscape.
The once well-organized agricultural landscape of meadows, terraces, stone walls, trails, orchards, vineyards, and chestnut groves has been overtaken by brush. As a result, wildlife such as roe deer, badgers, and especially boars, have wreaked havoc on the remaining land. This disruption has led to a loss of natural equilibrium among various species and organisms that inhabit the soil, including smaller reptiles, green lizards, salamanders, mice, larvae, cyclamens, and lilies of the valley, among others.
Climate change has introduced additional layers of complexity, impacting the ecological balance of the region, thereby making farming and organic cultivation more challenging.
In the regions of Sostegno, Casa del Bosco, and Curino, twelve vineyards aged over fifty years have been reclaimed and replanted. These vineyards are situated at elevations ranging from 400 to 500 metres, with a prevalence of south-east exposure. The dry and acidic soil, originating from the collapse of the ValsesiaSupervolcano’s caldera, imparts a distinctive minerality to the wines of North Piedmont.
The prominent DOC in this region is Bramaterra, characterized by a composition typically consisting of 70% Nebbiolo grapes, complemented by 20% Croatina, and 10% Vespolina and Uva Rara. Aging of the wine takes place in oak barrels for a minimum of 36 months, followed by additional refinement in the bottle.
Work in vineyards
The landscape of the past is revived with chestnut and acacia poles in the vineyard. With innovative techniques, the quality of the grapes is improved. For example, all the vineyards are grassed, limiting hoeing around the plants. The treatments are strictly biological, with sulphur and copper salts at very low doses, and have greater biological compatibility using potassium bicarbonate and citrus essential oils.
In the vineyard, atomized treatment techniques allow for lower doses of sprayed substances compared to the limitation imposed by organic production. Dealing with new insects (popilia japonica) is mechanically and pneumatical performed, avoiding any chemical applications.
Work in the cellar
Crushed grapes and musts fermentation are carried out in stainless steel vessels without adding yeasts, bisulphites, or other chemical oenological adjuvants. The overall three level layout of our equipment allows transfer by gravity, thus minimizing lees generation and preserving wine bouquet. Temperature control in fermentation and subsequent clarification constitutes a physical measure to avoid any filtration obtained innatural and “living” wines.
Red DOC wine aging is carried out for three to four years in barriques, tonneaux and in oak barrels. Rosé, white, and “orange” wine remain in acacia barrels or stainless-steel vessels or clay amphorae for a few months before bottling. Making use of inert gas or vacuum techniqueswhen bottling protects the wine without the use of sulphites.
Natural wines
Our organic wines come from:
– grassed vineyards without using chemical fertilizer to respect the vine and its natural cycles;
– healthy grapes and musts by excluding any type of sulphides and by making use of wild yeasts only;
– natural fermentation in sealed stainless-steel vessels with temperaturecontrol, eliminating filtration and physicochemical clarification to accentuate the vitality of the wines produced.
BRAMATERRA D.O.C.
This full-bodied very dry red wine comes from a careful handmade selectionof red grapes grown in the municipalities ofSostegno and Curino. The wines that originate in this DOC are 70% Nebbiolo, 20% Croatina, and 10% Vespolina and Bonarda.
The aging is caried out in top quality oak barrels for no less than 36 months to refine the minerality given by the vineyard’s porphyritic soil. According to the evaluation given by the “Golosario,” the 2015 Bramaterra was given 5 stars among the top one hundred wines in March, 2021.
IL ROSSO
This blend is based on the above red grapes. Traditional fermentation with indigenous yeasts, without the addition of sulphides in stainless steel vessels. Very savory classic wine with all the characteristics originating from acidic soils from our hills.
IL ROSATO
This fresh, lively rosé wine is produced with pure red grapes through off skin fermentation without the addition of sulphites. A precise temperature control is executed throughout the process with inert gas protection. Ideal as an aperitif.
IL BIANCO
This unfiltered white wine is vinified with a temperature-controlled fermentation to enhance the unique fragrance of the white grapes. Clarification without filtration and sulphides is carried out in stainless steel vessels and clay amphorae.
L'ORANGE
This unique “orange” wine is aromatic with a complex structure. It comes from a long maceration on the skin at a controlled temperature. This process extracts all characteristics from perfectly ripe white grapes. A short aging is carried out in acacia barrels.
Recognitions
– Organic certification from ICEA since 2018
– Winner of the 2021 environment section
in the competition “Più Bellezza in Valle” (More Beauty in Valley)
by the Vallemosso Rotary Club with the project “A Vineyard Birth”
Lorenzo Rovero
Organic Farm
Location
Vicolo Fabbri Ferrai, 6 1386 Sostegno (BI)
Contact
Email: lorenzo.rovero@alice.it
Tel. +39 347 81 83 127
Visit
We are happy to receive guests by appoinment; you can visit our shop, cellars, vineyards an taste our wines. We may offer opportunities of experiential tourism.
ENTRANCE
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