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Oltrepò Pavese, one of the hidden gems of Italian wine-growing, is an area with a historical and indissoluble bond with Pinot Noir. This noble grape variety, celebrated worldwide, finds in this region an ideal habitat where it can best express its unique characteristics. However, despite the high quality of the wines produced, the association between Oltrepò Pavese and Pinot Noir is still not so immediate for the general public. This article explores the history, peculiarities and potential of the magnificent union between this land and its symbolic vine.
A History of Innovation and Tradition
The link between the Oltrepò Pavese and Pinot Noir has deep roots dating back some 160 years. It was Count Augusto Giorgi di Vistarino, on the advice of his cousin Carlo Gancia, who first planted Pinot Noir in this region. It was 1850, and this pioneering decision laid the foundation for a long winegrowing tradition that continues to this day. Vistarino recognised in the terroir of the Oltrepò the ideal conditions for cultivating this difficult but extremely valuable grape variety.
Since then, the region has seen a continuous growth in the cultivation of Pinot Noir, reaching around 3000 hectares planted on a total of over 13,500 hectares under vine. This extension places Oltrepò Pavese in third place worldwide for the cultivation of Pinot Noir, just behind the famous regions of Champagne and Burgundy. Despite these impressive numbers, Oltrepò Pavese often remains unjustly undervalued, with a perception of mediocre quality that does not do justice to the territory‘s true potential.
A Heterogeneous Territory
One of the main reasons Pinot Nero expresses itself so well in Oltrepò Pavese is the extraordinary heterogeneity of the territory. This region offers a variety of soils and microclimates that allow Pinot Nero to fully express its two souls: that of important and fine red wines, and that of refined bubbles produced with the Metodo Classico.
The hills of the Oltrepò are characterised by limestone and clay soils, which give the wines structure and complexity. The climate, influenced by the proximity of the Ligurian Sea and the protection of the Alps, is ideal for viticulture. Warm summers and mild winters, combined with a good temperature range between day and night, favour optimal ripening of the grapes.
Red Wines of Great Elegance
The Pinot Nero cultivated in Oltrepò Pavese produces red wines of extraordinary elegance and complexity. These wines are characterised by a rich and varied aromatic bouquet, with notes of red fruits, spices and earthy hints. In the mouth, Pinot Nero dell‘Oltrepò Pavese is distinguished by its finesse, velvety tannins and harmonious structure. These wines have great ageing potential, developing further complexity and depth as the years go by.
Classical Method Bubbles: Refinement and Excellence
In addition to red wines, Oltrepò Pavese is renowned for its high quality bubbles produced with the Metodo Classico. This method, similar to that used in Champagne, involves a second fermentation in the bottle that gives the wines a fine and persistent foam. The Oltrepò Pavese bubbles are appreciated for their elegance and freshness, with aromas of fresh fruit, white flowers and notes of yeast and bread crust.
Innovation and Sustainability
The success of the Oltrepò Pavese in cultivating Pinot Noir is not only due to the natural characteristics of the land, but also to the resourcefulness and vision of its winegrowers. In recent years, many wineries have invested in research and development, experimenting with new cultivation and vinification techniques to further improve the quality of their wines. Attention to sustainability is another key aspect, with an increasing number of wineries adopting organic and biodynamic farming practices to preserve the environment and ensure the quality of the final product.
In conclusion, the combination of Oltrepò Pavese and Pinot Noir is a magnificent example of how tradition and innovation can go hand in hand to create wines of great elegance and personality. With its unique terroir and the passion of its winegrowers, Oltrepò Pavese is destined to increasingly become a point of reference for Pinot Noir lovers all over the world.
