La Stoppa is an ancient estate with vineyards stretching along the Trebbiola valley, not far from the river Trebbia, in the province of Piacenza. The estate extends over 52 hectares, 30 of which are planted with vines and dominated over by an elegant medieval tower. Over a century ago, the estate's previous owner planted French varieties, producing both wines of significance, as well as others of curiosity through the addition of Italian styles: Bordeaux, White Bordeaux and Pinòt Noir. In 1973 the estate was acquired by the Pantaleoni family who, within a short space of time, had invested in and restructured the vineyards, as well as renewing the cellar. Today the company is headed by Elena Pantaleoni, with the assistance of winemaker Giulio Armani. The naturally low yields ( due to the average age of the vines and poor soil ) together with the intrinsic quality of the grapes, have made possible the creation of wonderfully characteristic wines, which reflect their vineyards of origin and speak for themselves
without the need for excessive reworking in the cellar. This does not mean that no use is made of modern technology or small barrels ; on the contrary. However, these serve to accompany the wine towards its full maturity rather than to falsely modify it in any way. Today La Stoppa produces a limited number of wines : some derived from the local varieties - Malvasia, Barbera and Bonarda : others derived from historically introduced varieties of French origin: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Pinot Noir. The objective is to create modern wines without betraying the history and expression of the territory, that here manifest themselves through the subtle tones and unique character of the wines produced.
La Stoppa is a place where life and work go hand-in-hand with the river Trebbia, which lies in the distance providing air, colour and light.
The vines, which are relatively old, give rise naturally to small bunches, given their historical origins in Bordeaux. The grapes are of this land and it is important to remember the wines of the past: they are my wines, the wines of my people and of the hills that surround us. Since the day I took over the company, I have understood that a wine is born in the vineyard, and as a result have focused all of my energy on preserving and improving my vineyards.
I continue to use the same vines that have existed here for more than a century, without asking them to provide any more than that which they can give naturally.
The wines I have chosen to produce are those that history has delivered to me: the passito wine with its amber colour, the red wines that are now created from this land but whose vines came to Italy originally from France in the 1800's.
I do not want this history altered like some passing fashion; I wish my wines to live for many years, so that when selected, they can be enjoyed for their colour, their taste and their bouquet.
With these wines you will recognise and share the passion I feel for my land.