Oltrepò Pavese DOC

Oltrepò Pavese DOC is one of the oldest and most prestigious wine appellations of Lombardy, located in the hilly area south of the river Po, in the province of Pavia. This DOC, known as the “Burgundy of Italy” for its great variety of soils and microclimates, is renowned for producing elegant reds, fresh whites and high-quality Metodo Classico sparkling wines.

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Characteristics of Oltrepò Pavese DOC

Colour

• Reds: Intense ruby red with garnet reflections in the older wines.
• Whites: Bright straw yellow with greenish shades in young wines.
• Sparkling wines: Pale straw yellow with a fine, persistent perlage.

Aromas

• Fruity: Red fruit (cherry, blackberry, redcurrant) in the reds; citrus, green apple and peach in the whites.
• Floral: Hints of violet in the reds, white flowers in the whites and in the sparkling wines.
• Spicy: Hints of black pepper, vanilla and nutmeg in the riserva reds.
• Mineral: Nuances of flint and chalk in wines from limestone soils.

Palate

• Fresh and lively: Well-balanced acidity in the whites and sparkling wines.
• Structured and enveloping: Velvety tannins and a long finish in the riserva reds.
• Elegant and harmonious: A perfect balance between fruit, acidity and minerality.

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Production Area

TheOltrepò Pavese DOC extends over about 13.500 hectares of vineyards in the province of Pavia, comprising more than 40 municipalities  including:

• Santa Maria della Versa and Broni: Famous for producing metodo classico sparkling wines from Pinot Nero.
• Stradella and Casteggio: Areas suited to structured reds from Barbera e Croatina.
• Montecalvo Versiggia e Rocca de' Giorgi: Known for their mineral whites from Riesling Italico.

The area is characterised by:

• Soils: Limestone, clay and marl, ideal for growing Pinot Nero and aromatic grape varieties.
• Climate: Temperate continental, with wide day-night temperature swings that encourage the aromatic intensity and freshness of the wines.

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Grape Varieties Used

Black Grape Varieties

• Pinot Nero: Used for metodo classico sparkling wines e elegant reds.
• Croatina: For the Bonarda Oltrepò Pavese, lightly sparkling and lively.
• Barbera: Structured and spicy, with vibrant acidity and freshness.

White Grape Varieties

• Riesling Italico: Mineral and aromatic, with notes of citrus and white fruit.
• Chardonnay: For elegant sparkling wines and complex whites.
• Moscato: For sweet, aromatic wines, with notes of peach and citrus.

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Types of Oltrepò Pavese DOC Wine

• Oltrepò Pavese Rosso DOC: Structured and spicy, from Barbera, Croatina e Pinot Nero.
• Oltrepò Pavese Bonarda DOC: Lightly sparkling and lively, from Croatina.
• Oltrepò Pavese Riesling DOC: Fresh and mineral, from Riesling Italico.
• Oltrepò Pavese Metodo Classico DOCG: Elegant and complex, from Pinot Nero e Chardonnay.

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Food Pairings

Oltrepò Pavese Rosso DOC

• Red Meat: Braises, roasts, grilled rib of beef.
• Game: Wild boar stew, hare alla cacciatora.
• Aged Cheeses: Grana Padano, aged Pecorino.

Oltrepò Pavese Bonarda DOC

• Cured Meats and Cold Cuts: Salame di Varzi, coppa, prosciutto crudo.
• Traditional Dishes: Risotto alla pavese, cotechino with lentils.

Oltrepò Pavese Metodo Classico DOCG

• Seafood: Oysters, tuna tartare, fish carpaccio.
• Gourmet Starters: Foie gras, soft cheeses.

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Why Choose Oltrepò Pavese DOC?

TheOltrepò Pavese DOC offers a wide range of elegant, complex and versatile wines, perfect for any occasion, from structured, spicy reds to the Metodo Classico sparkling wines of great finesse, representing at its best the Lombard winemaking tradition.