Pojer & Sandri

Pojer & Sandri represents a pivotal moment in Trentino's wine evolution—the transition from a region historically known for high-volume, commercial production to a benchmark for quality-driven, sustainable viticulture. Established in 1975 during a period when few in Trentino prioritized individual estate identity, the partnership between Mario Pojer and Fiorentino Sandri was revolutionary. Their conversion to biodynamic farming in 1995 predated the broader Alpine organic movement by nearly a decade, positioning them as philosophical leaders in sustainable viticulture.

• Location: Faedo, Piana Rotaliana subregion, Trentino-Alto Adige, Northern Italy
• Founding principle: Demonstrating that Trentino could produce world-class wines through terroir focus and sustainable practices
• Biodynamic certification achieved through Demeter; organic farming practiced since the mid-1990s

Pojer & Sandri's biodynamic approach transcends certification marketing—it reflects a deep commitment to soil health, lunar cycles, and biodiversity within their Piana Rotaliana vineyard parcels. The steep Alpine slopes (often 30-40% gradient) naturally minimize mechanization, allowing hand-harvesting and careful canopy management. Their practice includes preparation of biodynamic compost, herbal infusions, and rhythmic cultivation timed to lunar and seasonal cycles, resulting in lower yields (40-50 hectoliters/hectare) and heightened phenolic ripeness in their fruit.

• Biodynamic certifications and organic farming reduce chemical inputs to near-zero; sulfur additions kept minimal to preserve natural fermentation
• Selective harvesting in multiple passes ensures optimal ripeness and concentration in red varieties, particularly Teroldego
• Vineyard parcels maintained with minimal machinery; terraces and slope contours preserve Alpine microclimates

Pojer & Sandri's portfolio centers on Teroldego Rotaliano, the indigenous red grape of the Piana Rotaliana subregion, which they craft in multiple expressions ranging from accessible cuvées to age-worthy reserve bottlings with 8-15+ year horizons. Their Müller-Thurgau and Nosiola white varietals showcase Alpine freshness and mineral precision derived from glacial soils. All wines undergo spontaneous fermentation with minimal SO₂ intervention, allowing natural yeast communities to drive the transformation from fruit to wine.

• Teroldego Rotaliano (standard): Dark cherry, plum, herbal notes; silky tannins; 12.5-13.5% ABV; best consumed 5-10 years from vintage
• Müller-Thurgau: Lime, white peach, Alpine floral notes; crisp acidity; ideal expression of cool-climate Alpine viticulture
• Nosiola: Indigenous Trentino white with almond, pear, minerality; rare and compelling from biodynamic farming

This producer exemplifies how terroir-driven, sustainable viticulture can rehabilitate a region's reputation and establish quality standards for peers. Trentino historically supplied bulk wine to larger cooperatives; Pojer & Sandri's success in international markets with premium-priced, limited-production bottles demonstrated that indigenous varieties and Alpine terroir could command respect alongside Piedmont and Tuscany. Their influence has catalyzed broader quality improvements across the region, inspiring a new generation of boutique producers in Trentino-Alto Adige to pursue biodynamic certification and varietal authenticity.

• Pioneering role in establishing Trentino as a quality destination (1990s-2000s), countering commodity-wine perception
• Educational ambassadors for biodynamic viticulture, demonstrating feasibility and quality benefits in Alpine contexts
• Market validation: wines achieve 90-95 point scores from major critics; export presence in 20+ countries

Pojer & Sandri bottles are identifiable by their distinctive label design, featuring hand-drawn vineyard illustrations and the signature of both partners. The winery uses predominantly Burgundy-style bottles for reds and elegant flutes for whites, with capsules bearing the Demeter biodynamic certification seal. Bottles from the mid-1990s onward will display minimal intervention markers: natural cork, minimal foil capsule, and vintage-specific variation in color and clarity reflecting spontaneous fermentation practices. Their wines often display a pale garnet hue (Teroldego) and may show natural sediment in older vintages, hallmarks of minimal fining and filtration.

• Label features hand-drawn vineyard illustrations; both Mario Pojer and Fiorentino Sandri signatures appear
• Demeter certification seal visible on capsule; organic/biodynamic estate statement on back label
• Variable color and clarity in reds indicate minimal intervention; expect slight sediment in wines 8+ years old

Pojer & Sandri has earned consistent recognition from international wine critics, sommeliers, and competitions over three decades. Parker, Galloni, and regional Italian critics have awarded scores in the 90-95 range to reserve Teroldego expressions. More importantly, the winery is cited as a foundational influence in the biodynamic and natural wine movements within Alpine regions, included in prestigious producer lists alongside Domaines Leflaive and Nikolaihof. Their work is featured in authoritative texts on Italian viticulture and sustainability, cementing their status as thought leaders in both quality and environmental stewardship.

• Consistent 90+ point scores from Parker, Galloni, and Wine Advocate for top Teroldego vintages
• Featured in Slow Food Presidium recognitions and biodynamic producer databases across Europe
• Educational presence: Mario Pojer has lectured on biodynamic viticulture at international conferences and wine schools