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. Elena Pantaleoni