First Italian No-Sulfites-Added Sangiovese Debuts in US, Using Chestnut Flower Extract for Preservation

Azienda Agricola San Valentino, an organic wine estate based in Emilia-Romagna, Italy, has launched what it says is the first no-sulfites-added Sangiovese from Italy to be sold in the United States. The wine, called Floowers, is a Rimini DOC Sangiovese Superiore and is being imported by Monsieur Touton Selection. The debut comes as American consumers show growing interest in health-conscious drinking and naturally made wines.

San Valentino’s vineyards are located on 15 hectares overlooking the Adriatic Sea. The estate has been certified organic since 2009. For Floowers, the winery uses only organically grown Sangiovese grapes and vinifies the wine in stainless steel tanks to preserve freshness and purity. Instead of using traditional chemical preservatives like sulfites, San Valentino protects the wine with an extract made from chestnut flowers. This extract, known as chestwine, was developed by researchers at the Polytechnic Institute of Bragança in Portugal.

The chestnut flower extract serves as a natural antioxidant and antimicrobial agent during vinification and aging. According to research cited by San Valentino, wines treated with this extract can maintain color, aroma, and structure while offering greater aromatic expression and stability compared to wines made with conventional sulfites. The use of chestwine also reflects a circular economy approach by repurposing an agricultural by-product for winemaking.

Roberto Mascarin, founder of San Valentino, said that the introduction of Floowers is part of the estate’s ongoing commitment to natural viticulture and innovation. “We wanted to challenge convention without losing touch with our roots,” Mascarin said. “With Floowers, we continue our journey of natural viticulture, proving that innovation can be an act of respect — for the land, for time, and for those who drink our wines.”

Enrico Farello, Italian portfolio director at Monsieur Touton Selection, noted that Floowers meets a rising demand among US consumers for wines made with minimal intervention. “For US consumers, Floowers represents access to something revolutionary yet authentic — a terroir-driven Italian wine made with cutting-edge natural technology,” Farello said. He added that no-sulfites-added wines like Floowers offer a bridge between science and craftsmanship.

The branding of Floowers emphasizes its connection to nature and renewal. The name is meant to evoke purity and vitality, while the double “o” in the logo symbolizes connection. The label features an image of a blooming chestnut tree above a couple walking hand-in-hand.

San Valentino was established in the 1990s by Mascarin and is now guided by consulting winemaker Andrea Lupi. In late 2022, entrepreneur Gianluca Marchetti joined Mascarin in leading the estate, signaling a new phase of growth and investment. The winery produces several varieties including Sangiovese, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, and Rebola from vineyards influenced by sea breezes and clay-limestone soils.

Floowers is currently distributed in the United States by Monsieur Touton Selection and has limited availability in Italy. The launch marks a notable development for both organic winemaking and the growing market for natural wines in the US.