Notes from Bowler Wines:

"La Stoppa is a 50 hectare property located in northwest Emilia-Romagna. Founded in the late 19th century by a wealthy lawyer named Gian Marco Ageno, the estate is currently run by Elena Pantaleoni and head vignaiolo Giulio Armani. 32 hectares of vines are planted in Barbera and Bornada for red, as well as a small amount of Malvasia di Candia, Ortrugo and Trebianno for whites.

La Stoppa's approach to bottling and releasing wine can be described in two words: observation and patience. It is not uncommon for wines to age in barrel for years before bottling and then many more in bottle before release. While the fresher "Trebbiolo" is sold the summer after its harvest, there are no such rules for "Barbera", "Macchiona" or "Ageno"; these are usually released at least five years after they were harvested. Furthermore, a younger vintage can be bottled before an older one and vintages are not chronologically released. In other words, the wines are commercialized when deemed optimal to drink.

It's a challenging and costly endeavor, one too few wineries are willing to take the hit on. But Elena and Giulio wouldn't have it any other way."