Rosanna Sandri

In 1950, Mario and Teresina Sandri began making wine for personal consumption from 2.5ha of vines in San Rocco Seno d’Elvio. Nine years later, their daughter Rosanna joined them, and when she married Franco in 1978, the pair assumed management—Rosanna’s father remained working in the vineyards until his passing in 2013. The family’s vines—managed now by Franco—have always been farmed by hand, with no use of chemicals or systemic herbicides. Particular attention is paid to pruning, and cover crops are encouraged wherever suitable. In their Barbaresco plot, average vine age exceeds 25 years, and no more than 1 kilogram of fruit is grown per vine. In the winery, fermentation is via indigenous yeasts in concrete vats, and no additives are used for fining, filtering, or stabilising. Following vinification, pomace is pressed in a basket press, and ageing is in large Botti for 18-24 months before bottling.

Today, Franco’s sons, Roberto and Mauro (both trained oenologists), are managing the family business and have successfully raised its profile from relative obscurity to securing representation with some of the world’s most high-profile fine-wine importers. The family's portfolio includes Nebbiolo, Dolcetto, Barbera, and Arneis. The finished Nebbiolo are poised and expressive, with heaps of acidity and grippy-yet-resolved tannins. Whilst still in its ascendancy, this is an estate to watch!