Col di Sasso, an Italian phrase, translates to “Stony Hill” in English. This name is given to the wine because it is made from grapes that come from the most rocky slopes on the Banfi estate. The name itself evokes a sense of ruggedness and an appreciation for the unique terroir in which the grapes are grown.
When I first encountered the name Col di Sasso, I was immediately intrigued by the imagery it evoked. The idea of a stony hill conjured up images of steep slopes covered in rocks, challenging to navigate but ultimately rewarding. It reminded me of my own experiences hiking through rocky terrain, where every step required careful consideration and balance.
In the context of winemaking, the name Col di Sasso suggests that the grapes used to produce this wine are grown in an environment that is not easy to cultivate. The rocky slopes present challenges to the vines, forcing their roots to dig deep into the soil in search of nutrients and water. This struggle, however, can often result in grapes with concentrated flavors and distinct character.
The choice of name also speaks to the winemaker's respect for the land and the natural elements that shape the wine. By highlighting the stony hill, Banfi acknowledges the unique terroir that contributes to the wine's quality. It is a way of paying homage to the rugged landscape and the impact it has on the final product.
In my own experience tasting Col di Sasso, I found that the wine indeed reflected its name. The aromas and flavors carried a certain earthiness and minerality, reminiscent of the rocky soil from which the grapes were grown. There was a depth and complexity to the wine that hinted at the challenges the vines had faced, resulting in a wine that was both intriguing and satisfying.
To summarize, Col di Sasso, meaning “Stony Hill,” is a wine that derives its name from the rocky slopes on which the grapes are grown. It reflects the ruggedness of the terroir and the challenges faced by the vines, ultimately producing a wine with unique character and depth.