Lombardia region, north-west of Italy, another area of ​​excellences among which, sparkling wines produced with the classic method stands out. The protagonist is Pinot Noir that you can find in the white version (Blanc de Noir) or rosè (called Cruasè for communication purposes).

I am not going to waste time talking again about this “lucky” area as I have written about it already. I am gonna go straight to the names! Names of wines and companies that I enjoyed during my last tour of that area: I was based in Pavia city where the kermesse “Autunno Pavese” was going on.

BRUNO VERDI winery

I quote it as first because it is the first of my “travel notes” but perhaps also among those that I preferred, definitely! We are in the east part, near Canneto Pavese. The family history is long but we find “Verdi” on the labels only after the II World War thanks to Bruno Verdi, Paolo’s father, current owner. The total production is about 100,000 bottles but only a small percentage (10%) is dedicated to the classic method, enhanced by Paul himself. These products impressed me particularly! “Vergomberra

bruno verdi in oltrepò pavese

Extra Brut 2010” (70% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay) is my favorite one with an original note of talc, white musk. Then there is the “Vergomberra Dosage Zero 2011” we had in advance with “disgorgement a la volée” done right there: still “raw” but showing all its complexity. Finally the Cruasé 2011 of greater structure.

GIORGI winery

This a larger company with a total production of around one million and 200 thousand bottles. Only 70/80 thousand of sparkling wines produced by classic method and then there is the line of sparkling wine produced by Charmat method.

Here you can find a wine for each preference with a strong focus on communication and packaging. Me and mr. Fabiano Giorgi had a wide tasting at their comfortable enoteca close to the winery itself where we tried different wines, with different styles. We started with “Crudoo” a concept which recalls the “raw” beer, it is “sur lie”:  very fragrant, almost citrine, to be matched carefully. Then the top one: “Gianfranco Giorgi” (dedicated to his uncle) which reflects the old family style: Blanc de Noir (Pinot Noir 100%), fragrant but perfectly balanced, persistent. It is different compared to “Giorgi 1870 Gran Cuvée storica” (2010) which he describes as “international”, surely it often rewarded, a consistent wine. TOP zero, nature version (sugars are almost zero) is interesting too along with the Cruasé the intense pink and full rosè that characterizes the entire area. I have had the pleasure to try almost the complete line and I can ensure there are special products as well as some more simple ones though for different markets, take note!

prime alture in oltrepò pavese

PRIME ALTURE winery

What to say: go and visit them. Not only for wine but also to enjoy the view, the swimming pool, in one word their wine resort. I toured it and I ended up on the terrace to try the wines with the owner Roberto (Lechiancole) and the winemaker Achilles (Bergami). Pinot Noir is not an easy grape so once you find a place where it gives good results you have to invest on it and nothing more, this is the philosophy in poor words.

8 hectares of vineyards and a limited number of labels. So I’ll be short: they only have one sparkling wine produced by classic method: the Blanc de Noir “Io per te”, fresh and pleasant. Then there are just some other wines: the blend “60 & 40” white (from Muscat and Chardonnay, delicately aromatic) and red (Barbera and Croatina, I have appreciate the brightness in the glass). Up to 100% Pinot Noir (red mean) such as Merlot.

TRAVAGLINO winery

Historical company with great charm since the entrance; they declare they are specialized in Pinot Noir (of course!) especially for the classic method. 80 hectares of vines for a production of about 200 thousand bottles (only 30/35% of classic method), the peculiarity is that their large property is one single piece, without interruption. We literally toured the cellar and its corridors with even cells that keep older vintages as treasures. Not only that, we also visited the “ice room” (where, in the past, wines and food stocks were kept by bringing snow from the outside! About the tasting I can say that all the sparkling wines are “Brut” and are basically one-Vintage even when it is not indicated on the label.

My favorites are certainly “Classese Selezione Brut” (100% Pinot Nero) with notes of mature and dried fruits but also refreshing herbs, a good saltiness. Do not forget “Gran Cuvée Brut” for its value for money.

IL MONTU’ winery

It named after the town of location (Montù Beccaria) and was born at the beginning of the 20^th century as a wine cooperative. It evolves over time by keeping this vintage character, you can notice from the very beginning.

About 90 hectares with grapes good for “our” sparkling wine. They produce about a 8/900 thousand bottles per year but only 8% of sparkling wine (by Classical method). They also have a line of sparkling wines by Charmat method). Here I was attracted by the tasting room with desk and tables placed in giant barrels placed vertically. The wines are easy-drinking, the rosè shows an elegant color. The dosage does not make the wines too dry for those who prefer a sugar residue.

I love to mention “Selvatico” restaurant too where I had a wonderful and typical lunch organized by the local Consorzio and Riccagioia center. I have loved their typical pairing: Cruasè and Varzi salami. A great hospitality and a fine cuisine!

oltrepò pavese