Livel 2018 Barbacan

Livèl 2018 – Valtellina – Barbacàn

Overview

The Livèl 2018 by Barbacàn is an authentic mountain wine, naturally crafted in the heart of Valtellina, among steep terraces and ancient dry-stone walls overlooking the Alpine valleys. It expresses the strength and purity of Chiavennasca (the local Nebbiolo) combined with ancient native grapes such as Rossola, Chiavennaschino, and Pignola. This red wine embodies the harmony between nature, tradition, and human craftsmanship, offering a vibrant interpretation of the Retic Alps in every sip.

History of the Wine

The name “Livèl” refers to historic vineyard parcels that dot the slopes of San Giacomo di Teglio, where the Sega family has long cultivated their steep, high-altitude vineyards—some reaching 600 meters above sea level. These terraces represent the essence of heroic viticulture, where every grape is hand-harvested and every gesture reflects respect and care. The 2018 vintage, balanced and serene, yielded perfectly ripened grapes of great aromatic depth. The result is a wine that unites power and grace, evoking the rugged beauty and cultural memory of the Valtellina mountains.

Philosophy in the Vineyard

In the vineyard, Barbacàn practices a deeply natural and agroecological approach, where humans support the rhythms of nature rather than control them. The Chiavennasca and other local varieties grow in sandy, granitic soils rich in minerals, imparting a distinct tension and minerality to the wine. High altitudes, steep slopes, and strong temperature shifts contribute to aromatic intensity and freshness. No chemical herbicides, no synthetic treatments—only observation and balance. This respectful relationship between land and man defines the true spirit of Livèl.

Winemaking Approach

The Livèl 2018 is crafted through a completely natural vinification process that honors Valtellina’s winemaking tradition. After a manual harvest, the grapes are destemmed and left to macerate for about 90 days, with spontaneous fermentation by native yeasts. The wine then matures for 3 years in large oak casks followed by 2 years of bottle aging, allowing it to reach full expressive harmony. No filtration or fining—just patience and purity. The outcome is a sincere, structured wine of great finesse, with a distinct Alpine character.

Tasting Notes

Color: bright ruby red with subtle garnet reflections.
Nose: complex and elegant, showing notes of red currant, raspberry, alpine herbs, and delicate spice.
Palate: fresh, balanced, and mineral, with fine tannins and a long, savory finish recalling granite and mountain air. A wine that unfolds slowly, revealing its layered, authentic soul.

Food Pairings

The Livèl 2018 pairs beautifully with braised meats, game dishes, venison, and aged mountain cheeses. It also enhances mushroom-based risottos and slow-cooked stews. A meditative wine, ideal for those seeking authenticity, purity, and connection to the Alpine landscape. It has excellent aging potential, evolving gracefully over time.

Technical Sheet

• Appellation: Red Wine – Valtellina

• Producer: Barbacàn

• Vintage: 2018

• Grapes: 90% Chiavennasca (Nebbiolo), 10% Rossola, Chiavennaschino, Pignola

• Altitude: about 600 m a.s.l.

• Soil: sandy, loose, granitic origin

• Fermentation: spontaneous, native yeasts

• Maceration: about 90 days

• Aging: 3 years in large oak barrels + 2 years in bottle

• Alcohol: 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.