Castello di Stefanago

Castello di Stefanago is the result of generations of grapes: The Baruffaldis have strived to maintain respect for the terroir as well as the earth in their winemaking. The winery is located in Lombardy in the Oltrepo Pavese hills at between 320 and 470 meters above sea level. The cellars are in the castle which still remains from the fourteenth century in the center of the property, around which there are about eighteen hectares of vines and 135 hectares of meadows, forests, orchards, and arable land. - Savio Soares

About the Winemaker

Castello di Stefanago

Generations of dedication to the land and respect for terroir have shaped Castello di Stefanago into a beacon of winemaking excellence. Nestled in the Oltrepo Pavese hills of Lombardy, the winery thrives between 320 and 470 meters above sea level, with its cellars housed within a fourteenth-century castle at the heart of the property. Surrounding the castle sprawl eighteen hectares of vineyards and 135 hectares of diverse landscape including meadows, forests, orchards, and arable land. Antonio and Giacomo Baruffaldi champion organic farming practices, nurturing natural and healthy grapes that embody the essence of their terroir. In the cellar, they guide each must's natural evolution with meticulous attention, utilizing barrels of varying woods and sizes.

The Region

Lombardy,

Nestled in the northern reaches of Italy, Lombardy is a region celebrated for its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and, increasingly, its vibrant natural wine movement. With its diverse terroir encompassing the Alpine foothills, fertile plains, and picturesque lakeshores, Lombardy offers a diverse canvas for winemakers to express their craft. Indigenous grape varieties such as Nebbiolo, Chiavennasca (the local name for Nebbiolo in Valtellina), and Turbiana thrive in this dynamic environment, where natural winemakers embrace organic and biodynamic practices to nurture their vines in harmony with nature. By allowing grapes to ferment spontaneously with native yeasts and eschewing additives, they create wines that faithfully reflect Lombardy's terroir—exhibiting crisp acidity, elegant minerality, and a sense of place that speaks to the region's unique microclimates and soils. From the elegant reds of Valtellina to the sparkling Franciacorta, Lombardy's natural wines offer a compelling glimpse into the region's winemaking tradition, history, and commitment to sustainability, inviting enthusiasts to explore and savor the essence of this enchanting corner of Italy.