The Oltrepò Pavese, located along the axis of the 45th parallel, shares this privileged position with some of the world‘s most famous wine regions, such as Bordeaux, Napa Valley and Oregon. This area is not only renowned for its scenic beauty, but also represents a fundamental pillar of the Italian and world wine economy. With its impressive numbers, Oltrepò Pavese is confirmed as one of the most important regions for wine production, both in terms of quantity and quality.
A Territory of Precious Vines
With more than 13,500 hectares under vine, Oltrepò Pavese is home to around 1,700 wineries that produce a total annual output of around 850,000 hectolitres of wine. This volume represents over 60% of the entire wine production in Lombardy, making Oltrepò Pavese one of the most productive regions nationwide.
Among the most cultivated vines are Pinot Noir with 3,400 hectares, Croatina with 4,000 hectares, and Barbera with 2,500 hectares. Other significant grape varieties include Riesling (1,500 hectares), Pinot Grigio (1,100 hectares), Muscat (500 hectares) and Chardonnay (400 hectares). These grape varieties produce a diverse range of wines from full-bodied reds to aromatic whites and high-quality sparkling wines.
Pinot Noir: A World Excellence
Pinot Noir is the flagship of the Oltrepò Pavese, confirming the region as the third most important production area in the world for this prized grape variety, right after Burgundy and Champagne. With 75% of the entire national Pinot Nero production, Oltrepò Pavese stands out not only for the quantity but also for the quality of its products. The annual production of Pinot Noir-based sparkling wines is around 12 million bottles, 15% of which are made with the Classical DOCG method, while the remainder is made sparkling with the Martinotti method.
A Diversity of Certified DOC Wines
The Oltrepò Pavese can boast around 40 certified DOC wines, testifying to the richness and variety of local wine production. Among the area‘s historic wines are Croatina, Barbera and Riesling, but other grape varieties such as Uva Rara, Ughetta, Vespolina, Pinot Bianco, Cortese Bianco, Moscato, Malvasia and even Müller-Thurgau contribute to the extraordinary diversity of the wine offer.
A Heritage to be Valued
The production capacity and quality of Oltrepò Pavese wines represent an invaluable heritage for the local and national economy. The region‘s wineries, thanks to their commitment and passion, continue to carry on a centuries-old tradition, while managing to innovate and respond to the challenges of the global market.
The Oltrepò Pavese is not only a wine-producing area, but a true symbol of Italian wine culture, an area where history, tradition and innovation meet to give life to unique products of the highest quality.
