Barbacan Rosso Alpi Retiche 2022

Barbacan is a small, family-owned winery of only 6 hectares. The vineyards are located on terraced slopes characteristic of Valtellina, a narrow valley northeast of Milan, Lombardy. The steepness of the terraces makes working these vineyards extremely difficult, hence the designation "heroic viticulture". At Barbacan everything is done by hand in the most natural way possible: no chemicals in the vineyards or in the cellar, no industrial yeasts, spontaneous fermentation, unfined, unfiltered, and no added sulfites. One of the few 100% natural winemakers in Valtellina. To some, they make the best natural wine in the area,

Nestled in the northernmost part of Italy, Lombardia (or Lombardy in English) has a viticultural history that spans millennia. Lombardia is bordered by Switzerland to the north and is surrounded by other Italian regions such as Piemonte, Emilia-Romagna, and Veneto. Its geographical diversity is marked by the majestic Alps in the north, the rolling hills in the south, and the expansive plains of the Po Valley. This varied landscape is punctuated by iconic lakes like Lake Como, Lake Garda, and Lake Iseo, which play a significant role in the region's microclimates.

Lombardia's terroir is as diverse as its geography. The Alpine foothills provide cool temperatures and an excellent diurnal range, ensuring slow maturation and aromatic development in grapes. The lakes, particularly Lake Garda and Lake Iseo, act as temperature moderators, preventing extreme temperature fluctuations and fostering a Mediterranean climate conducive to viticulture. The soils vary from glacial deposits in the north to limestone, clay, and sand in the southern parts, each contributing distinct characteristics to the wines.

Lombardia is renowned for its sparkling wine, Franciacorta, which is often compared to champagne due to its method of production and quality. Made primarily from Chardonnay, Pinot Nero (Pinot Noir), and Pinot Bianco, Franciacorta boasts fine bubbles, complex aromas, and a distinct minerality.

Another notable wine is the red Valtellina, produced mainly from the Nebbiolo grape (locally known as Chiavennasca). These wines are known for their elegance, bright acidity, and aging potential.

Lombardia also produces a range of still white wines from grapes like Trebbiano di Lugana and Turbiana, especially in the Lugana DOC, which lies on the southern shores of Lake Garda.

Lombardia's culinary heritage is as rich as its winemaking tradition. Consider pairing it with regional dishes like Risotto alla Milanese or fresh lake fish preparations for Franciacorta. The acidity and bubbles cut through the dish's richness, creating a harmonious balance.

With their tannic structure and bright acidity, Valtellina wines are perfect with hearty dishes like Pizzoccheri (a pasta made with buckwheat flour) or Bresaola (air-dried salted beef).

Lugana whites, with their aromatic profile and minerality, pair beautifully with freshwater fish dishes or creamy pasta preparations.

• Lombardia's Franciacorta was the first Italian sparkling wine to receive DOCG status (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita), a testament to its quality and significance.
• The region's unique Sforzato di Valtellina wine is made using a process similar to Amarone, where grapes are dried to concentrate flavors before fermentation.
• Despite being one of Italy's smaller wine-producing regions, Lombardia boasts an impressive number of DOC and DOCG zones, highlighting its diverse viticultural potential.