The first new name on our shelves this year is San Barnaba, a grower that perfectly taps into our excitement about Piedmont’s evolving wine scene.

It's from a talented trio, working with some of Langhe’s top terroirs and producing deeply compelling wines of significance.

San Barnaba combines the expertise of three friends: brothers Roberto and Giovanni Pasquero, who sell land in Piedmont (giving them unique access to and understanding of top vineyards), and their friend Francesco Rocca.

Francesco, the son of the famed Bruno Rocca, is widely regarded as one of the brightest young talents in the area. Together, they founded their cantina in Serralunga, pooling their diverse talents with remarkable finesse.

Roberto, Giovanni and Francesco; photo via Stelle Wine Co.

The vineyard holdings are impressive.

For Nebbiolo, the Langhe bottling below is sourced from a lieu-dit across from Barbaresco's famed ‘Faset’ cru. And beginning in 2024, they will bottle two cru Barolos from legendary sites: La Morra’s ‘Serra’ and Verduno’s top cru, ‘Monvigliero.’ Additionally, their small Freisa plantings come from exceptional high-altitude vineyards in Santo Stefano Belbo.

Francesco – integral in redefining the style at his family’s winery (we'll share more on that soon) – is uncompromising in the cellar.

Francesco and his Pelaverga in tank; photo via Stelle Wine Co.

Fermentations are done with native yeasts in barrique, with the Nebbiolos spending over a month on their skins. Élevage is carried out in large Slavonian oak for the Nebbiolo and Freisa, while the Pelaverga is aged in cement. Bottling is done without filtration or fining, resulting in a style that is refined, traditional, and profoundly pure.

Not included below is a Derthona that hasn’t yet made its way to the US. Future vintages will feature this, along with the Barolos mentioned above.

2023 San Barnaba Verduno Pelaverga, Piedmont, Italy $40

2023 San Barnaba Langhe Freisa, Piedmont, Italy $46

2023 San Barnaba Langhe Nebbiolo, Piedmont, Italy $46

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