Jazpèmi 2022 Barbacan

Valgella Jazpémi 2022 – Valtellina Superiore DOCG – Barbacan

Overview

The Valgella Jazpémi 2022 by Barbacan is a Valtellina Superiore DOCG of remarkable authenticity and depth, produced from old south-east–facing vineyards located between 470 and 520 meters above sea level. It is a pure expression of mountain Nebbiolo, shaped by altitude, sun, and patience. “Jazpémi,” meaning let me go in the local dialect, reflects the winery’s free-spirited approach to natural winemaking. Unfiltered, unclarified, and aged in large oak casks for 12 months, this wine is complex, juicy, and deeply rooted in tradition.

History of the Wine

“Jazpémi” originates from the historical vineyards that Angelo, Luca, and Matteo Sega cultivate in San Giacomo di Teglio, the heart of the Valgella subzone. These ancient terraces, built of dry stone, are living witnesses of centuries-old Alpine viticulture. The 2022 vintage offered ideal balance, yielding Chiavennasca (Nebbiolo) grapes of impressive aromatic richness and structural harmony. The name “Jazpémi” embodies Barbacan’s philosophy: allowing nature and fermentation to unfold freely, without artifice, in respect of the land’s own rhythm.

Philosophy in the Vineyard

Barbacan practices natural and sustainable viticulture, preserving biodiversity and the vitality of the soil. The old vines, some over fifty years old, grow in rocky, sun-drenched terrain that encourages deep roots and low yields. Each plant tells the story of resilience, shaped by the Alpine winds and the warmth of the southern exposure. Every task is performed manually, guided by observation and tradition, creating a direct connection between vine, grower, and environment. The result is fruit of extraordinary energy and purity.

Winemaking Approach

In the cellar, Jazpémi 2022 undergoes spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts. It is aged for about 12 months in large oak barrels, allowing the wine to find balance through time and oxygen. No fining, no filtration: the wine remains alive, vibrant, and true to its origin. Barbacan’s minimalist approach aims to express the essence of the Nebbiolo grape and the character of the Valgella terroir—a dialogue between nature, patience, and craftsmanship.

Tasting Notes

Color: deep garnet with brilliant ruby highlights.
Nose: complex and elegant, offering aromas of ripe cherry, rose petals, wild herbs, and subtle earthy undertones.
Palate: succulent, refined, and precise, with well-integrated tannins and a long, mineral finish that recalls its mountain origin.

Food Pairings

“Jazpémi 2022” pairs beautifully with aged cheeses, braised meats, venison, and rich pasta or risotto dishes. Its freshness and depth make it an ideal companion to traditional Alpine cuisine and autumnal flavors. Serve between 16–18°C to enhance its finesse and authenticity.

Technical Sheet

• Appellation: Valtellina Superiore DOCG – Valgella subzone

• Vintage: 2022

• Grape Variety: 100% Chiavennasca (Nebbiolo)

• Vine Age: up to 50 years

• Altitude: 470–520 m a.s.l.

• Exposure: south-east

• Fermentation: spontaneous with native yeasts

• Aging: approx. 12 months in large oak barrels

• Unfiltered, unclarified

• Alcohol Content: 13.5% vol

• Serving Temperature: 16–18°C

• Contains sulfites

Barbacan

History

In the heart of Valtellina, among the steep slopes of San Giacomo di Teglio, lies Barbacan, a small family-run winery that embodies the deep connection between people, land, and tradition. Founded by Angelo Sega and now carried forward by his sons Luca and Matteo, the estate reflects the Alpine spirit, where every gesture follows the rhythm of nature. Across six hectares of terraced vineyards, Barbacan cultivates Chiavennasca—the local expression of Nebbiolo—alongside ancient native varieties that preserve the region’s agricultural heritage. Each harvest is an act of memory, a dialogue between past and present.

Vineyard Philosophy

Barbacan believes in natural viticulture, where human knowledge serves the land rather than controls it. The team works through observation, guided by nature’s own signals—the melting snow, the ripening hay in the valley, the water springing from the rock. Their goal is to protect the vitality of the soil and the genetic diversity of traditional vines, keeping alive the cultural identity of the Alps. Manual care and ancestral gestures replace all industrial interventions, allowing the vineyard to express itself freely.

Winemaking Approach

In the cellar, Barbacan transforms the purity of the grapes into wine without artifice or manipulation. Healthy, living grapes undergo spontaneous fermentations with native yeasts, preserving the integrity of each variety and vintage. There are no unnecessary additives or aggressive filtrations—only the essence of fruit and place. Each year is expressed in its uniqueness, celebrating the true character of every vintage and the micro-terroirs of Teglio. Human touch acts as a subtle interpreter, never as a controller.

The Identity of an Alpine People

Barbacan is more than a winery—it is a declaration of love for the mountains and for the ancient viticultural culture of Valtellina. Every bottle tells a story of harmony between man and nature, shaped by hard work and devotion. These wines embody the authenticity of the Alps, the echo of wind through the terraces, the bright light that defines every grape. In their Chiavennasca, Barbacan captures the most sincere and human voice of this Alpine land.