Barbacàn
Barbacàn, run by Luca and Matteo Sega with their father, Angelo, are one of the only Valtellina estates dedicated to traditional and artisan methods. Manual harvesting is essential and extremely laborious, as workers trek up and down steep steps built into the mountainside. It’s a land of extremes, but there are a few ‘heroes’ left, and Barbacàn can certainly claim this title.
Alpi Retiche IGT Rosso
Barbacan Rosso IGT Alpi Retiche is a natural and characterful red wine from Valtellina in Lombardy, produced by the brothers Marco and Luca Sega under the name Barbacan. The wine is made primarily from the local Nebbiolo grape, here called Chiavennasca, grown on steep terraces with minimal intervention. Barbacan works organically and with great respect for the terroir, which results in an authentic wine with fine tannins, lively acidity and nuances of wild berries, spices and minerality. A wine with personality, made in small quantities and with great love for the craft.
Quick Facts
APPELLATION: Alpi Retiche IGP
VINTAGE: 2023
STYLE: Red
GRAPE: Pignolo, Rossola Nera, Rossignola, Chiavennasca (Nebbiolo) Black
FARMING: organic
FERMENTATION: stainless steel
MATURATION: stainless steel
FILTRATION: unfiltered
VEGAN: yes
ALCOHOL: 13%
CASE SIZE: 12
Alpi Retiche IGT ‘Curnàl Anfora’
Barbacan Curnal is a single-vineyard wine from the Barbacan brothers in Valtellina, made exclusively from Chiavennasca (Nebbiolo). The grapes come from the “Curnal” vineyard, which is located high in the Rhaetian Alps and is cultivated with great care and without the use of chemicals. The wine is spontaneously fermented with whole bunches and aged in old barrels, which preserves the pure expression of the grape. Curnal is elegant and intense – with notes of wild cherries, herbs and stone minerals, wrapped in a structured but lively mouthfeel. A wine with great personality and clear terroir expression.
Quick Facts
APPELLATION: Alpi Retiche IGP
VINTAGE: 2023
STYLE: Red
GRAPE: Chiavennasca, Rossola, Pignola, Chiavennaschino, Brugnola
FARMING: organic
FERMENTATION: Amphora
MATURATION: barrel
FILTRATION: unfiltered
VEGAN: yes
ALCOHOL: 13%
CASE SIZE: 12
Valtellina Superiore 'Sol'
The top cru from Barbacàn, the Söl vineyard has vines dating from the 1920s. From high-altitude, south-facing slopes, giving the fruit a richness and fleshiness that is unique and utterly captivating.
Quick Facts
APPELLATION: Valtellina Superiore DOCG
VINTAGE: 2022
STYLE: red
GRAPE: chiavennasca (nebbiolo)
FARMING: organic
FERMENTATION: stainless steel, concrete
MATURATION: oak
FILTRATION: unfiltered
VEGAN: yes
ALCOHOL: 13.5%
CASE SIZE: 12
valtellina Superiore Valgella 'Jazpémi'
The Jazpémi is a Valtellina Superiore that comes from the vineyards in the Valgella area that have that name. It is the first Barbacan “CRU”.
It is a well-balanced wine both on the nose and on the palate and perfectly typical of the vintage from which it comes.
Quick Facts
APPELLATION: Valtellina Superiore DOC
VINTAGE: 2020
STYLE: red
GRAPE: chiavennasca (nebbiolo)
FARMING: organic
FERMENTATION: stainless steel, concrete
MATURATION: stainless steel
FILTRATION: unfiltered
VEGAN: yes
ALCOHOL: 12.5%
CASE SIZE: 6
valtellina Superiore Valgella 'Fracia' Reserve
A Complex red wine with layers of dark cherry, tobacco, and earthy nuances. Firm tannins and a long, elegant finish.
This is Barbacans top-of-the-line wine coming from their steepest vineyard; long maceration on the skins and aging in big botti. Earthy, complex, a true masterpiece.
Quick Facts
APPELLATION: Valtellina Superiore DOC
VINTAGE: 2018
STYLE: red
GRAPE: chiavennasca (nebbiolo)
FARMING: organic
FERMENTATION: stainless steel
MATURATION: botti
FILTRATION: unfiltered
VEGAN: yes
ALCOHOL: 14%
CASE SIZE: 6