Castelletto di Monforte d’Alba (Cuneo), September 12, 2024 – Among the rolling hills of the Langhe, the Josetta Saffirio winery cultivates a rare pearl in the landscape of native Piedmontese grapes, the Rossese Bianco, which produces the Langhe DOC Rossese Bianco of the historic Josetta Saffirio range. A true testament to resilience and exceptional attention to detail, this wine serves as an example of how an almost forgotten grape can be reborn and shine thanks to a philosophy of respect, care and attention.
Rossese Bianco, which has its historical roots in the Cinque Terre and enjoyed a renaissance in the Langhe at the end of the 19th century, is now cultivated by a handful of courageous winegrowers who see it not only as a legacy, but as a grape with untapped potential. Sara Vezza, the businesswoman at the helm of the winery who, now with entrepreneur Renzo Rosso and the Brave Wine holding company, is working to lift the name of the Monforte d’Alba winery even higher, is among these courageous winegrowers, passionately committed to making the most every bunch of this ancient grape variety. A white wine distinguished by its exceptional ageing capacity and a taste profile that defies the traditional boundaries between white and red wines. Vinification is a delicate balance between ancestral techniques and contemporary methods: fermentation starts in cool stainless steel tanks and is completed in the silence of oak barrels, where the wine matures at nature’s gentle pace.
Visually appealing, Langhe DOC Rossese Bianco presents a bright straw yellow colour, enriched by greenish highlights that herald its freshness. The nose opens with a lively bouquet of citrus and herbaceous notes reminiscent of the Mediterranean from which this vine arrived in the area via the Ancient Salt Road, while the palate is a harmonious combination of vibrant fruit and an acidity that dances on the taste buds, leaving a lingering, slightly tannic finish with a hint of almond. As of this year, the wine also boasts a new visual identity, with a recently revamped label that symbolises both the winery’s innovative spirit and its strong bond with the Langhe territory.
“We have used the Wild Orchid of the Langhe on the labels of the Josetta Saffirio range of wines” says Sara Vezza. “A flower native to the area, which we have chosen as a symbol of the roots that run deep in the territory of origin, interpreting a new idea of luxury, where well-being, in a healthy, inclusive and authentic environment reaches its fullest expression”. Desired by entrepreneur Renzo Rosso, the rebranding of the labels celebrates the union between the Brave Wine holding company and Sara Vezza, giving shape to the new shared wine project.
Superbly versatile in terms of pairing, Josetta Saffirio’s Langhe DOC Rossese Bianco is ideal with anything from fish to mature cheeses and is the perfect accompaniment for toasted bread with butter and anchovies. An invitation to rediscover the authenticity of flavours that tell stories of passion and dedication.
Agricola Sara Vezza is a company that is able to boast over two centuries of winemaking tradition in Monforte d’Alba. Established by Ernesto Saffirio, the legacy was passed on to his daughter Josetta and today to his granddaughter Sara Vezza, an entrepreneur who has embraced this legacy, first converting the winery to organic farming and now taking it to Biodiversity Friend certification. Commitment to concrete sustainability and the reduction of environmental impact are the distinguishing qualities of this winery which looks bravely to the future while staying true to its roots.
