Oltrepò Pavese Wine Region

Oltrepò Pavese is a wine region in the North of Italy, west of Milan. It is the most traditional wine zone in this region, with a strong tradition of wine production that dates back to Roman times. This area is located near Milan and borders the regions of Emilia-Romagna and Piedmont. Most of its vineyards sit on the foothills and produce high-quality wines.

Check out the best wine tastings and tours in Oltrepò Pavese!

History of Oltrepò Pavese Wine Region

Viticulture has been practiced in the Oltrepò Pavese region of Italy for centuries. The first vines were planted during the Roman empire. It was a strategic attempt to produce wine that could compete with Greek wines, which were the best-known and most desired wines at the time. The first mention of viticulture in the Oltrepò Pavese region is from the "Codex Etruscus" from 850 AD. The cultivation and production of wine became more widespread in the 15th century when it was recognized as a significant element of agricultural production.

The name Oltrepò Pavese refers to the region’s position on ‘the other side of the Po, which dominates the large plain between the Alps and Apennines of Northern Italy. To the north of the Pô River lies the small historical city of Pavia, and a little further north is Milan. Oltrepò wine region is characterized by hills and mountains, making it ideal for the cultivation of grapes. It extends over an area of 3,600 square kilometers and includes sixteen municipalities.

Terroir of History of Oltrepò Pavese Wine Region

The vineyards of the Oltrepo zone are found near the Apennines and Po river in Alessandria, Genova e Piacenza. The vines grow well in a region with an excellent microclimate, rich soil, and a terroir similar to that of the Barolo wines. Oltrepo is responsible for more than half of the wine coming out of the Lombardy region and is not far behind Asti and Chianti in terms of output volume. There are nearly 9,880 acres of Pinot Noir vines in the region, making it a Pinot Noir capital. The climate here can lead to grapes ripening too soon, but it is well suited to the Pinot Noir needed for sparkling wines. Grapes that are picked at an early stage of skin ripeness have a good balance of acidity and sugar that are needed for wines from the Oltrepò Pavese wine region.

The soils of the Oltrepò Pavese wine region are composed of ancient rocks called Terra Rossa. These rocks provide the Oltrepò Pavese region with rich humus and clay for their vines to grow. in. The soils also contain a large amount of iron, which magnifies the red color of the wine grapes. The climate in this region is typical of the Mediterranean climate found close to the Alps. The region has warm summers and mild winters with little rain, making it suitable for Mediterranean viticulture.

Grapes of Oltrepò Pavese Wine Region

Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Nero are the leading red wines. They're often used in small-barrel aging to add an extra layer of flavor. The Whites prefer Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling Italico, Riesling, and Pinot Nero. The spumante is fermented using the traditional method of aseptic wine-making. It can contain up to 30% Pinot Nero, Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio, and Chardonnay. Sparkling Oltrepo Pavese Metodo Classico has had DOCG classification since 2007.

There are 20 wines in this classification. You'll find both traditional and innovative wines, such as the Rosé, Rosato, Buttafuoco, and the Semi-Sweet "Sangue di Guida", meaning Judas's Blood. All styles are created using a blend of Barbera and Croatina, which is locally known as Uva Rara or Bonarda. The main grapes for Moscato are white varieties, namely Malvasia and Cortese. The wine is also produced in sweet and sparkling versions, with a minor role played by Moscato itself.

Food to Pair with Oltrepò Pavese Wine

Zuppa Pavese (Zuppa alla Pavese)

Pavian soup is a well-known and loved dish that is traditionally made with very simple ingredients. It's such an iconic food for Pavia that it's considered to be a traditional peasant dish. This is a simple dish that is made by poaching eggs in beef or chicken broth, then topping them with grated Parmesan cheese. Legend has it that this soup was invented in the aftermath of the 1525 battle of Pavia to help fill hungry soldiers. The king, who was weary and wounded, went to a farmhouse to find refuge. The lady of the house-made soup because she had all of the necessary ingredients on hand. It's an example of that matron's skill and proves that even when you're in a tough spot, cooking food can be a great way to make something delicious.

Torta Paradiso (Torta del Paradiso)

The Torta del Paradiso is a traditional Italian cake. It is a light dessert made of a thin layer of sponge cake made with eggs, sugar, and flour. It is covered in orange-flavored cream and decorated with candied fruit or chocolate. It is often served at the end of a meal to celebrate the joys of life.
A staple in Italian desserts and the symbol of the city of Pavia, torta Paradiso is a simple cake variation that mainly uses three key cake ingredients - sugar, flour, and butter. Made in the early 1800s, Torte Paradiso is a sweet dessert all on its own. Traditionally, it's been filled with creams, custards, and spread combinations like rose syrup and honey. The unmistakable softness, fragrance, and sweetness of croissants also make it a favorite breakfast treat - paired with a cup of espresso, milk, or tea.

Risotto Pavese (Risotto alla Pavese)

Risotto is a dish traditionally from Pavia. It consists of rice as the main ingredient, in this case, beans. Risotto is amazing. Apart from the beans, it contains rice, carrot, tomato, onion, garlic, and butter. It can also be made using white wine instead of water. Butter and grated cheese are stirred into the rice when it's still on the stove before serving. This will enrich the flavor even more. . Every step of the process is very important because every ingredient has to be well-cooked or else risotto will not taste delicious. Risotto is traditionally served with parmesan cheese, but it can also be served with grated pecorino romano or parmesan cheese.

Places to Visit in Oltrepò Pavese Wine Region

Stradella

Stradella is a small town and commune in the province of Pavia, Northern Italy. It is situated on the Padan plain, about 5 kilometers from the Po River. Stradella and Montalcino were both under the control of the Bishop of Pavia in the early Middle Ages; Stradella became more important as a center around 1,000 AD. Montalcino and Pavia were attacked again and again by John Hawkwood's troops during the Wars of the Guelphs and Ghibellines. One particular event in 1373 saw Hawkwood's troops take over the town.
Accordion production started in the city some time ago and it is still a big part of the culture. The instrument has its museum here. Stradella is a city in Italy that is the home of one of the earliest accordion builders. The tradition was carried on by Mariano's sons, Carlo and Giovanni Crosio Fratelli.

Casteggio

Casteggio is a comune in Pavia, Italy, fully supported by the government and The Regional Agency for Development Cooperation. Clostridium was a Ligurian settlement belonging to the Marici tribe. The site was a visit by the delegation of Marici to meet with Marcus Tullius Cicero and Lucius Ummidius Quadratus. Marcus Claudius Marcellus defeated them in Ulaurian territory and celebrated this victory with a poem written by Naevius. This region was freed from Rome in 218 BC after their defeat at the hands of Hannibal's army as they marched through this area. The province was then recaptured in 197 by Rome and set on fire.
At the beginning of the middle ages, Casteggio was assigned to Pavia by Frederick Barbarossa in 1164. In 1441 it was taken over by Cesare Martinengo, who ruled it until the Simonetta, Sforza, Bentivoglio and Del Carretto dynasties came. The town was damaged in the late 15th century during the Italian conflicts.

Check out the best wineries in Oltrepò Pavese!

Frequently Asked Questions About Oltrepò Pavese Wine Region