Lino Maga Barbacarlo 2020

Lino Maga (Azienda Agricola Barbacarlo) is an iconic, cult natural producer located in Broni within the Oltrepò Pavese region of Lombardy. Founded in 1886, the estate was led for decades by the late Commendatore Lino Maga—a fierce defender of traditional winemaking—and is now carried forward by his son Giuseppe. The historic single vineyard Barbacarlo ("Uncle Charles") sits on a steep, sun-drenched hill farmed entirely organically without chemical fertilizers or pesticides since the 19th century.

Barbacarlo 2020 is a traditional field blend of Croatina (50%), Uva Rara (30%), and Ughetta/Vespolina (20%) harvested from ancient vines. Fermented spontaneously with ambient yeasts in large vintage oak and chestnut casks, bottled without filtration or sulfites, Barbacarlo is left to develop in bottle at its own natural pace, creating a singular, living wine.

Tasting Profile: Deep dark garnet with orange rim highlights. Expressive and complex aromas of crushed blackberries, plum skin, porcini mushrooms, tar, dried fennel seed, and rustic earth. Medium-to-full bodied, generous and open, balancing sweet dark fruit with firm, chewy tannins, lively acidity, and a long, savory mineral finish.

Decant 45–60 minutes before serving at 16–18°C. A magnificent pairing for slow-braised short ribs, Peking duck, wild game, roast pork, and aged pecorino.