La Stoppa is a historic family estate in Emilia-Romagna, set in the Trebbiola valley near the Trebbia river. The story begins in the late 19th century, when lawyer Ageno planted vines here; in 1973 the Pantaleoni family arrived, and since the mid-1990s Elena Pantaleoni, together with long-time collaborator Giulio Armani, has led the estate. Today it covers 58 hectares, 30 under vine and the rest left to nature.

Elena’s approach is simple: grow local grapes and respect the place. The vineyards are farmed organically (certified), without fertilisers or weedkillers—only traditional copper and sulfur when needed—and all work is done by hand. The focus is on regional varieties: Barbera and Bonarda for reds; Malvasia di Candia Aromatica, Ortrugo and Trebbiano for whites.

In the cellar, wines ferment spontaneously with native yeasts, with no sulfites added, and often spend long periods on the skins. Ageing is slow in large wooden casks and then in bottle, so the wines can find balance over time. The aim is not to chase a style, but to bottle the identity of the land each vintage.

If you’re exploring the range, “Trebbiolo” is the fresh, younger red—a Barbera/Bonarda blend that shows the everyday side of the hills. “Macchiona,” a 50/50 Barbera and Bonarda from older vines, is released after long ageing and rewards patience at the table. “Ageno,” named for the founder, is a dry, skin-contact white based on Malvasia di Candia Aromatica.

La Stoppa’s motivation is clear in Elena’s words: be a custodian of the land, act with responsibility, and price fairly so the farm can grow sustainably. These are sincere, characterful wines made to accompany real meals and real life.