Organic Romagna estate debuts no-sulfites Sangiovese in US
The organic producer introduces the no-sulfites-added Sangiovese Floowers to the US market using chestnut flower extract instead of sulphites.
Azienda Agricola San Valentino, the organic estate from Emilia-Romagna, has introduced what it claims is the first no-sulfites-added Sangiovese from Italy to reach the US market.
FLOOWERS, a Rimini DOC Sangiovese Superiore, is being imported by Monsieur Touton Selection and has been positioned to align with the growth of health-conscious drinking trends in the market.
Organic roots and circular innovation
The wine is made from 100% organically grown Sangiovese and vinified in steel to retain freshness and purity. The estate has been fully certified organic since 2009 and currently farms 15 hectares overlooking the Adriatic Sea.
Instead of chemical preservatives, Floowers is protected during vinification and ageing by chestwine — an all-natural extract derived from chestnut flowers. Developed by researchers at the Polytechnic Institute of Bragança in Portugal, the extract guards against oxidation and bacterial contamination while preserving colour, aromatic integrity and structure.
Chestwine also represents a circular economy approach by transforming an agricultural by-product into a functional winemaking tool. Research referenced by the producer suggests wines treated with the extract can show greater aromatic expression and stability compared with counterparts made using traditional sulphites.
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“We wanted to challenge convention without losing touch with our roots,” said Roberto Mascarin, founder of San Valentino. “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.”
Meeting demand for naturally made wines
Touton’s Italian portfolio director Enrico Farello highlighted the appeal for US consumers seeking naturally made wines. “For US consumers, Floowers represents access to something revolutionary yet authentic — a terroir-driven Italian wine made with cutting-edge natural technology,” he said. “As health-conscious drinking trends grow, no-sulfites-added wines like this offer a bridge between science and craftsmanship, bringing new life to a category ready for rediscovery.”
The presentation of Floowers also references nature. Its name celebrates “purity and vitality”, while its double “o” logo symbolises connection. The label depicts a blooming chestnut tree over a couple walking hand-in-hand, intended as a symbol of renewal and harmony.
Expansion phase for the estate
San Valentino was founded in the 1990s by Mascarin and is guided today by consulting winemaker Andrea Lupi. In late 2022 entrepreneur Gianluca Marchetti joined Mascarin in leading the estate, marking a new period of growth and investment.
The winery produces Sangiovese, Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Rebola from south and south-west facing vineyards influenced by sea breezes and clay-limestone soils.
Floowers is distributed in the US by Touton Selection, with limited availability in Italy.
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