The Oltrepò Pavese towards the future: two strategic reforms to relaunch the wine-growing area

The day of February 20, 2025, will be remembered as a historic day for Oltrepò Pavese, following the approval by the Assembly of Members of the Oltrepò Pavese Wine Protection Consortium of two groundbreaking reforms with overwhelming consensus. The new consortium statute and the update of the DOCG regulations mark a significant turning point for the local wine sector.

The revision of the statute represents a strategic shift for the entire Oltrepò Pavese wine sector. Approved with over 98% of the votes, the new statute ensures greater representation for small producers while maintaining a balance with larger, more structured companies.

One of the main innovations is the introduction of a minimum of ten votes per member, regardless of production capacity. This mechanism increases the decision-making weight of smaller companies, promoting fairer governance.

Another pillar of the reform is the recognition of the production chain as a key element: companies that manage all production phases internally will receive a 25% increase in decision-making weight, encouraging sustainable business models.

At the same time, the Assembly approved, with over 93% of the votes, an update to the Oltrepò Pavese Metodo Classico DOCG regulations. The main change involves the introduction of the new distinctive Classese brand, created nearly half a century ago, thanks also to the support of the Wine District. Its President, Fabiano Giorgi, owner of Giorgi Wines, stated: “The Classese brand, originally conceived to identify the Oltrepò classic method from high-quality Pinot Noir grapes, is now set to become a denomination that will drive the revival of winemaking in our region, thanks to the agreement between the Consortium and the District.”

This designation strengthens the identity of the Oltrepò Pavese classic method and enhances its national and international recognition. This move aims to eliminate overlaps with other denominations and improve market positioning strategies.

In addition to the new name, the regulations introduce stricter production criteria to ensure excellence and quality. Key new provisions include the mandatory manual harvesting of grapes in crates and stricter quality parameters concerning acidity and minimum aging. For the first time, Additional Geographical Indications (MGA) have also been introduced, enhancing the most suitable areas of the denomination.

These reforms mark a crucial step in the revival of the Oltrepò Pavese wine sector. Francesca Seralvo, President of the Consortium, stated: “We have laid the foundations for a true renaissance of our territory. The new statute and DOCG regulations are essential tools to ensure transparency and quality, positioning Oltrepò Pavese among Italy’s winemaking excellence.”

Vice President Cristian Calatroni emphasized how the new consortium governance system will help overcome historical representation issues. Massimo Barbieri, President of Torrevilla and Vice President of the Consortium, expressed satisfaction with the new regulatory rules, which reinforce the quality standards of Metodo Classico DOCG.

Umberto Callegari, CEO of Terre d’Oltrepò, also confirmed the value of these reforms for the future of the region:
“Vision, responsibility, and determination are needed to ensure a sustainable future for Oltrepò Pavese. These reforms represent a crucial step towards structured and long-term growth.”

With these changes, the Oltrepò Pavese Wine Protection Consortium is committed to enhancing the region and strengthening its market competitiveness by focusing on quality, transparency, and innovation for the future of local viticulture.

The revitalization of Oltrepò Pavese is part of a broader development strategy aimed at enhancing the region through innovation, sustainability, and synergies among various local players. In this context, numerous strategic initiatives promoted by Colline e Oltre Spa have played a central role over the years, supporting the growth of local businesses, promoting product quality, and boosting food and wine tourism through targeted investments and strategic collaborations. These efforts are designed to strengthen Oltrepò’s competitiveness and contribute to its transformation into a top-tier destination.

Thanks to this integrated approach, Oltrepò Pavese is establishing itself as a model of territorial development that combines tradition and innovation, bringing tangible benefits to the entire community.