Albera Ligure, Piemonte

Cascina Barbàn is a self-described “peasant project of two families” - couples Maurizio Carucci and Martina Panarese, along with Pietro Ravazzolo and Maria Luz Principe. Together, they started this winery and poly-cultural farm back in 2011 after wanting more from life than their urban existience in Genoa could provide. They are located high on a plateau in the northern part of the Appenines overlooking the Val Borbera, a valley formed by the Borbera river, north of Genoa over the border into Piemonte. It is sheltered by high mountains and isolated from the surrounding valleys, and has incredible sun exposure, which makes it an ideal place for agriculture. The area is barely touched by industrialization, which leaves it as well-preserved natural environment, rich and diverse in both flora and fauna.

The four of them shared a passion to give new life to the village and its surrounds, but in a way that continues the peasant traditions, which “has to do more with moons and people than with machines and automatisms”. They of course grow grapes, but also a variety of vegetables, wheat and fruit. Farming is natural, with only sparing use of copper, sulfur and various manures and natural fertilizer preparations used in the fields. For the grapes they only work with old native varieties, because “they have seen more springs than the others and in our parts, in the Apennines, they behave better, they grow healthier and more vigorous”. The old vines are between 50 and 70 years old, and they have spent considerable energy and time researching and surveying the varieties planted there - “from Nibieau to Uva Rara, from Timorasso to Moscato d'Amburgo, from Barbera to Sangiovese, in short, one great carousel, a circus of biodiversity, practically a modern day miracle. We talked and drank together with some farmers who have these vines implanted by hand, in winter, when it wasn't snowing, because we believe that if you want to try to move forward, in any path or project, you have to understand and value what good was done before our arrival”.

“We are for Biodiversity not only for an ethical-social question but because it means aromatic, agronomic, phenotypic and cultural complexity. We are convinced that biodiversity in the fields helps crops stay healthy and to offer excellent results even in disadvantaged conditions. We believe that human beings, although they are often not really appreciable beings, they deserve something more than the usual four varieties of fruit and vegetables. From this mentality, non-homogeneous products are born, which sometimes change significantly from year to year but which are good for you, nourish, excite and tell you where from they come and who raised them”.

These wines represent so much more than a desire to make wine. They offer the refreshing outlook of an inspired younger generation, looking to reclaim a connection to their land, to achieve profundity through simplicity, to connect with people and produce wine ethically. We couldn’t be more thrilled to introduce you to these stunning wines and these remarkable people.

For more information, click HERE.