Masterclass March 28 & 29, 2026 (11am to 1pm) AND Taste Piemonte Tasting (2pm to 6pm) - Tenute Sella

Just to clarify: Tenute Sella is one of the 8 wineries from Alto Piemonte that we will have tasting during the masterclass. Also following the masterclass is Taste Piedmont with 25 wineries and their local grape varieties.

In this blog we document Tenute Sella, owned by the very famous Sella family who in turn own the bank Sella.

Tenute Sella, since our import less than a year ago, has the highest sales figures for Alto Piedmont wines. Time to briefly explain some of the wines.

Historical input!

The Sella family has been associated with the Lessona vineyards since the 17th century. In 1671, a notarized deed shows that Comino Sella purchased land there, financed with proceeds from the family's then thriving textile industry. In subsequent generations, the family steadily expanded its holdings, convinced of the lasting value of these vineyards.

In the first half of the 19th century, Giovanni Giacomo Antonio Sella had an impressive villa with outbuildings erected at the top of the Zoppo vineyard. Known for centuries for its excellent location, this cru was even mentioned in official documents as early as the 15th century. Later, in 1870, the Lessona property was divided among Maurizio Sella's sons, with Giuseppe Venanzio taking control of the vineyards.

Under his leadership and that of his descendants, the estate continued to grow, including toward Villa del Bosco. In the 1880s, several lands were purchased that today are part of Bramaterra. Don Paolo Antoniotti, a priest with a scientific background, was brought in to develop this then rugged area. Shortly thereafter, in the early 1890s, the imposing Cascina Bramaterra, designed by Gaudenzio Sella, arose. Not long after, the vineyards came into production and the wine Bramaterra was made for the first time.

After the death of Giuseppe Venanzio, the estate was managed by his wife Clementina Mosca and their children. The family continued to combine its roots in the textile industry with an increasingly strong focus on winemaking. Starting in the 1930s, their son Venanzio took over. He placed a strong emphasis on quality and played an important role in the official recognition of the region: Lessona received D.O.C. status in 1976, followed by Bramaterra in 1979.

Later the estate was headed by Fabrizio Sella, who continued the family tradition and expanded the company with an eye for quality and craftsmanship. Today, the family's wines still reflect this long history, in which knowledge, vision and respect for the terroir are central.

A few wines that we will be tasting in the master class of March 28 & 29, 2026, as well as others that will be featured in the Taste Piemonte wine tasting event

Riesling, Alto Piedmontese interpretation of German Riesling

An interpretation of Rhine Riesling grown in the municipality of Brusnengo, blended with a small percentage of Erbaluce. The result is a fresh and satisfying wine that surprises with its intriguing bouquet and with the sip that, even in Alto Piemonte, retains all the finesse and aromatic charge typical of Riesling.

To be tasted in the Taste Piemonte degustation: 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Majoli, Rosé from Nebbiolo grapes

The noble Nebbiolo in its most jovial and carefree guise. A versatile wine that impresses with its delicate notes, while on the palate it frees itself with extreme freshness and pleasant flavor. Upon arrival at the cantina Tenuta Sella, the grapes are chilled. Very gentle pressing and destemming. There is no maceration except during the pressing. Fermentation in inox barrels at a temperature of 16 degrees. For five months the wine remains in inox barrels with manual battonage.

To be tasted in the Taste Piemonte degustation: 14h to 18h

Orbello: young nebbiolo blend for those who want maximum interpretation within budget

The grapes for this Orbello come from vines about 40 years old, located at about 300 meters altitude in the Costa della Sesia. They are picked by hand in early October. They then undergo a ten-day malolactic fermentation in stainless steel tanks. Then the wine is given twelve months to mature in Slavonian oak barrels

To be tasted at the Taste Piedmont tasting: 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Lessona, the Doc with the perfect interpretation

The lay of the land of Lessona with its ancient sea sands gives finesse and a delicate touch to the wines born in this corner of Piedmont. This wine is made from the best grapes from Lessona's Tenuta Sella plots. Did you know that at the unification of Italy it was toasted with a Lessona? Nebbiolo 90% Vespolina 10% as prescribed in the rule book for making this wine. The first bottle was produced in 1671. Total production of Lessona 10,000 bottles

To be tasted during the Taste Piedmont tasting: 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Bramaterra Doc , expressive in the nose and balanced in the mouth, harmonious

First production was in 1902. The vineyards are located on the Bramaterra hills in the municipality of Villa Bosco in Alto Piemonte. The average age of the vineyards is 48 years, hilly with south-east exposition. Soils with excellent ph acidity arise from porphyric sandy soils of volcanic origin with the color rosso bruno. The first Bramaterra was produced in 1902, averaging 12,000 bottles per vintage

To be tasted during the Taste Piedmont tasting: 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Lessona Doc - San Sebastiano allo Zoppo

The hill of San Sebastiano allo Zoppo, symbol of Lessona and its history, has been cultivated with vines since 1436. The old vines of Nebbiolo and Vespolina preserve the life and memories of entire generations. A wine of great finesse and elegance, which embodies the memory and soul of a unique area.

In 1993, the first Lessona San Sebastiano allo Zoppo wine was produced. In total, there are 10,000 bottles of production per year of this wine

Note: Will only be tasted during the Masterclass "Best of Alto Piemonte - 11 am to 1 pm

Lessona Doc - Omaggio a Quintino Sella - 2015

Italian scientist, economist, politician and statesman. A charismatic and central figure in the history of Italy and the Sella family. To him their homage, their main label, produced exclusively in what we consider the best vintages, a pursuit of absolute excellence.

The first production of this Omaggio a Quintino Sella was in 1999. The vineyard is located in the historic winery of the municipality of Lessona. The vines are about 75 years old. Soil texture has ph acid on polycene sand of originally marine soil with color yellow orange-ish. A total of 1500 bottles of this wine will be produced.

Attention: Will be tasted only during the Masterclass "Best of Alto Piemonte - 11 am to 1 pm.

Bramatera Doc - I Porfidi

Bramaterra wines draw strength and consistency from the porphyry-rich soils of volcanic origin that characterize this area.Nebbiolo, Vespolina and Croatina grapes from our best vineyard are vinified separately and blended in this selection. the first vintage in production was 2003. The vineyards are located in Alto Piemonte, more specifically on the highest hill of Bramaterra in the village of Villa del Bosco. The average age of the vines is 80 years. This hilly vineyard is situated with exposition south-east, 350 meters above sea level. The training system is Guyot. Soil consists of Ph acidity with porphyry sand of volcanic origin with a red-brown color. Harvest begins at the first week of October. Total production of this I Porfidi is 2000 bottles.

Attention: Will be tasted only during the Masterclass "Best of Alto Piemonte - 11h to 13h

More info about the tastings of March 28 & 29? Surf to Spring degustation Taste Piemonte & Masterclass Alto Piemonte