Poderi Elia

At Small Vineyards, we like to find winemakers who listen to their own inner drum. Immediately upon meeting Federico Stella, one becomes aware that he is just such a man. Meticulous beyond belief in the cellar, and seemingly oblivious to the outside world, this young and talented producer possesses an uncanny instinct for making world-class wine. Respectful of traditional varietals, but unrelenting in his desire to improve, Stella experimented with over 30 combinations of French oak before settling on his cooperage formula! (Imagine that expense for a small estate!) Consistently he takes all of his wines right up to the edge of modernity, but then masterfully hovers there, never once crossing the line or going too far.Sitting down to taste wine at the family’s dinner table, we also get to see the patience and love he shows his family—he is happy to include his grandfather, Felice, who listens in and nods as grandmother Helda silently presses cookies into our hands. Across the room, Federico smiles quietly as we notice a photo of his new daughter, Sofia…Although extremely affable, Federico remains serious while discussing his vision. Indeed, even when the subject of conversation turns away from Poderi Elia, one always has the distinct impression that, privately, Federico is still thinking about his wine…