23 Oct Discovering Italy and The Oltrepo Pavese

Located 40 minutes south of Milan in the Lombardy region of Italy and across the river from Pavia sits the region of Oltrepò Pavese, which means “on the other side of the Po River from Pavia”. Frequently called the Tuscany of the North, the Oltrepò Pavese is fairly unknown and yet is one of the largest wine producing regions in all of Italy, just behind Chianti and Asti. With 44 DOC wines, the main varieties grown in Oltrepò Pavese are Croatina (which make Bonarda), Pinot Nero, Barbera, Riesling and Moscato, as well as Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio. In fact, with more than 3000 hectares planted, more than 50% of the Pinot Noir in Italy is actually planted in Oltrepò Pavese, making it the Pinot Noir capital of Italy. Oltrepò Pavese also produces affordable ($20-$40) champagne-like spumante wines made with Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio. These sparkling wines can be found in the 3 DOCG wines: Oltrepò Pavese Metodo Classico DOCG (minimum 70% pinot nero, 30% chardonnay and/or pinot grigio); Oltrepò Pavese Metodo Classico DOCG Blanc de Noir (minimum 85% pinot nero); Oltrepò Pavese Cruasè DOCG (minimum 85% pinot nero, vinified rose). Read the full story from Beverage Industry News October 2013.