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Franco Sasso - "Il Professore" of the Wine
With my Vitinerario®, I had the pleasure of spending a few hours with a figure whose oenological culture continues to make Rionero in Vulture (PZ) and the entire Aglianico production area shine.
Franco Sasso — known to everyone simply as "Il Professore" — welcomed me with his customary warmth on a calm summer afternoon. By his side was his inseparable daughter Eugenia, with whom I share a bond built on respect and sincere friendship. Every meeting with her is a precious occasion, and her presence radiates energy and serenity, supporting me with affection on my journey through the flavors and stories of Lucanian food and wine.
We are welcomed into the family winery, Eubea, where, in the guest lounge, the vivid and passionate story of "Il Professore" begins. It is a journey through time that starts from the memories of his childhood and reaches the present day.
The first question that comes to mind is why everyone calls Franco “Il Professore.” He smiles and explains that at the beginning of his career, he taught mathematics in Avigliano (PZ), in a special school — the juvenile prison. It was a tough but invaluable experience that he remembers with pride, as it allowed him to concretely help many young people and their families emerge from difficult situations. For Franco, school was not only a place of cultural transmission but also a space for growth and character formation. Today, that title has taken on an even broader meaning: “Professore” no longer refers merely to his former profession, but stands as the spontaneous recognition of those who consider him a reference figure in the world of Lucanian viticulture.
Franco was born on 19/02/1939, and Rionero is his homeland. Speaking about his family, he recalls with gratitude the affection he received and considers himself fortunate, especially because of the deep bond with his father. He remembers him as a man attentive to human relationships, a figure of reference and a passionate, honest, and respected winegrower. Franco explains that it was from his father that he received a fundamental teaching for both life and career, having “breathed the air of wine” since he was young.
Looking back on those years, we see Franco balancing his university classes and exams in Bari with holidays spent helping his father during the winemaking season. This heritage of oenological knowledge has accompanied him to this day. Throughout his life, it has always been he — thanks to study, experience, and constant experimentation — who determined the timing and method of vinification in the winery.
At a certain point, Franco recalls having gained full awareness of his oenological abilities — the result not only of experience matured over time and earned in the field, but also of a genuine love for the vineyards, the landscape, the aromas, and the emotions they evoke. To all of this, he adds meticulous work, attention to detail, and daily care, indispensable qualities in the cellar to create an excellent wine capable of being recognized and appreciated as such. In short, this profession requires two fundamental ingredients: science and heart.
Il Professore shares an evocative image when he recounts how he gradually fell in love with his craft, becoming emotional each time he saw others moved by tasting his wines. In those moments, he understood that he was halfway through a journey — a dynamic path made of intuition and satisfaction — which would ultimately find fulfillment thanks to the support of his daughter Eugenia and the birth, in 2001, of Eubea’s signature wine, Aglianico del Vulture Ròinos.
When I ask Franco to tell me about a particularly emotional moment, he recalls a trip to Switzerland in 2004 during a tour with some of the finest Italian wine producers — an occasion that also marked the beginning of a sincere friendship with Antonio Caggiano of Taurasi. In that context, he received a significant acknowledgment: the Swiss Sommelier Association, together with all the Italian producers present, raised their glasses and toasted with Ròinos, consecrating it among the great Italian wines.
At this point, Il Professore shows me a special edition: Ròinos 100, an Aglianico del Vulture DOCG Riserva 2012 created to celebrate the winery’s centenary (1922–2022). The bottle, in addition to being individually numbered, features a commemorative seal that contains several key words symbolizing this long journey: History, Passions, Dreams, Research, Emotions.
Franco recalls with enthusiasm the first racking of Ròinos, a special moment captured by filmmakers Paolo and Vittorio Taviani. The directors documented the operation and interviewed Franco, producing a television feature that celebrated — and permanently engraved — the symbol of a Lucanian product of excellence.
Il Professore, emphasizing that affection is the most important thing in life, tells me that Ròinos represents not only a successful product but above all a dedication to Roberto, his grandson and Eugenia’s son. The name is born from the union of the “R” of Roberto — then still a child — with the ancient Greek word òinos, meaning “wine.” Thus, “Ròinos” came to life.
That choice is not only a tribute to his grandson but also carries a poetic and fascinating story. Franco recalls a summer evening when “my little Roberto” asked him to accompany him to the vineyard. There, the child began hugging the vines with devotion and speaking to them — and to Venus, the evening star. It was such an evocative and moving moment that it inspired a company decision as important as the name of the wine destined to become the symbol of Cantina Eubea.
Indeed, every bottle of Ròinos bears this sentence on the back label:
“Dedicated to little Roberto, who from a star in the sky flew down onto a vine and made it magical.”
From the conversation with Il Professore, the determination and pride of a dynamic, tireless man clearly emerge — a man always at the forefront, striving to create a wine capable of reflecting his clear vision, his soul, and his steadfast dedication as a producer.
Listening to the story of Franco Sasso — his memories, insights, and even his criticisms, always constructive, toward the world of wine in its entirety — is a privilege that becomes a precious, almost educational moment. An opportunity capable of enriching anyone culturally and moving them through everything Il Professore has to share.
Luigi Chiera
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