Castello di Stefanago

Castello di Stefanago is a historic and highly respected natural wine producer in the Oltrepò Pavese region of Lombardy, Italy. The winery is known for its deep respect for tradition, its commitment to organic farming, and its artisanal, non-interventionist approach to winemaking.

History and Location

• Location: The winery is situated in the hills of the Oltrepò Pavese, at altitudes ranging from 320 to 470 meters above sea level. The estate is centered around a stunning 11th-century castle, which gives the winery its name.

• Family Tradition: The Baruffaldi family has owned the property for generations, and brothers Antonio and Giacomo Baruffaldi are now at the helm. They are dedicated to continuing the family legacy of respecting the land.

• The Estate: The estate itself is an ecosystem, encompassing not only 20 hectares of vineyards but also 135 hectares of forests, meadows, and orchards, all managed with a focus on biodiversity.

Winemaking Philosophy

Castello di Stefanago's philosophy is rooted in a holistic and regenerative approach, where the health of the land is paramount.

• Organic Farming: The estate has been certified organic since 1998, with the family going even further by embracing regenerative practices. They avoid all synthetic inputs, using techniques like cover crops and green manure to maintain soil vitality.

• Terroir-Driven Wines: The winemakers believe that great wine is made in the vineyard. They focus on producing healthy, natural grapes that truly reflect the unique terroir of their hilly landscape.

• Minimal Intervention: In the cellar, their approach is to guide the grapes to their best expression with as little intervention as possible.

  • Spontaneous Fermentation: All wines are fermented with indigenous yeasts.

  • No Fining or Filtration: The wines are unfined and unfiltered, preserving their natural character and complexity.

  • Minimal to No Sulfur: The use of sulfur is kept to an absolute minimum or is not used at all.

• Aging: The wines are aged in a variety of vessels, including stainless steel, concrete, and old wood, allowing each wine to evolve at its own pace.

Notable Wines

Castello di Stefanago produces a diverse range of wines, from traditional still wines to innovative sparkling and "orange" wines.

• Sparkling Wines (Pét-Nat): The winery is particularly celebrated for its sparkling wines made using the méthode ancestrale (pétillant naturel). These are bottled during fermentation and are often rustic, vibrant, and expressive, with a natural cloudiness.

• "Orange" Wines: They produce outstanding long-macerated white wines, showcasing the depth and complexity that can be achieved with extended skin contact on white grapes. A notable example is their Orangiosauro.

• Riesling: The winery has a strong reputation for its Riesling, particularly Riesling Renano. Their Riesling wines are known for their elegance, minerality, and aging potential.

• Red Wines: They work with local red varieties like Croatina and Barbera, as well as Pinot Nero. Their red wines are known for being fresh, fruit-driven, and authentic expressions of the Oltrepò Pavese terroir.