Sassocorno was born from a deliberate act of choosing. Stefano Poser, Diego Tomasella, Francesca Ius, and Loretta Silvestrini did not inherit land or family recipes — they found their way to a stretch of hilly eastern Friuli and fell in love with it. The project they have built since 2017 is one of the most interesting arrivals in Friuli-Venezia Giulia's natural wine scene.
Backstory
The four founders came from professional backgrounds outside agriculture and wine before converging on Corno di Rosazzo, in the hills between Rosazzo and Rocca Bernarda. They established Sassocorno in 2017 with organic certification from the outset, a deliberate statement of intent. The name references the rocky (sasso) ridgeline of Corno di Rosazzo itself. From the beginning, the winery has pursued what it describes as "craftsmanship and an authentic expression of the terroir."
The Region
Corno di Rosazzo sits in the hilly eastern fringe of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, between the Adriatic Sea and the Carnic Alps. The soils here are ancient seabed: rocky, mineral-rich, and highly expressive. The maritime influence from the Adriatic moderates temperatures and draws out the aromatic intensity of native varieties. This territory is recognized as one of the finest corners of a region already celebrated for white wines of extraordinary character.
Vineyards & Farming
The estate is certified organic and focuses on six indigenous and traditional varieties: Malvasia Istriana, Tocai Friulano (Friulano), Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Schioppettino. No synthetic fertilizers or agrochemicals are used at any point. The founders have introduced beehives on the property to support pollination and biodiversity. All grapes are harvested by hand, section by section, as individual parcels reach peak ripeness.
Winemaking
Sassocorno relies on spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts across all wines. No selected yeasts, no enzymes, no fining or filtration agents are introduced at any stage. Aging takes place in cement tanks, stainless steel, or large traditional wooden vessels depending on the wine. The guiding philosophy is expressed in a single line: "The hand of man, respectful, accompanies. The transformation, spontaneous, ennobles."
The Wines
The portfolio comprises six wines, each built around a single variety or a traditional local blend. "Rex" is a pure Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso, deep and structured. "Cuar" blends Merlot and Cabernet Franc into a supple red. "Badie" expresses Tocai Friulano's characteristic almond and apricot notes. The Malvasia Istriana is delicately aromatic and mineral. "Eresia" is the estate's rosé. Schioppettino, the rarely planted indigenous Friulian red, rounds out a lineup dedicated entirely to the varieties and traditions of this particular corner of Italy.
