It is in a small triangle of land nestled between the plains, hills and mountains of Lombardy that the famous French Champenoise method has found a home, giving life to one of the most outstanding Metodo Classico sparkling wines in the Italian winemaking tradition: Oltrepò Pavese. The result of a careful selection of grapes - mainly Pinot Noir - and painstaking production phases, this bubbly presents itself to consumers in white and pink, offering versatile and refreshing tasting experiences.
Here is everything you need to know about Oltrepò Pavese sparkling wines, including types, production methods and pairings!
From Champagne to Lombardy: history of a great Italian Metodo Classico sparkling wine
Present in the Oltrepò Pavese area since prehistoric times, the vine was domesticated for production purposes by the Etruscans in the 6th century BC. Little is known of how oenological activity developed afterwards, but from the writings of Strabo and Pliny the Elder it is assumed that in the 1st century A.D. in Lombardy, the wine of the Oltrepò Pavese was highly appreciated.
However, we will have to wait until the 19th century to witness the official birth of Oltrepò Pavese sparkling wines, which owe their origin primarily to Carlo Gancia. The entrepreneur identified in the Lombardy area the ideal terroir to replicate the famous French Champenoise method, assisted by Count Giorgi di Vistarino, who imported into Italy one of the varieties traditionally used for Champagne: Pinot Noir.
The results of this experiment were mixed, until the founding of the Società Vinicola Italiana Casteggio at the beginning of the 20th century ensured a more conscientious production and started the first imports to the United States.
Thus began the fortunes of Spumante dell'Oltrepò Pavese, an Italian Metodo Classico of great value!
Oltrepò Pavese Metodo Classico DOCG: areas and production method
It is not only the prestige and attention to detail of the Champenoise method that guarantees the quality of this excellent Italian sparkling wine, but a fundamental role is also played by the terroir.
The Oltrepò Pavese area - located south of the Po and partly enclosed by the province of Pavia - develops in a ‘cluster’ shape between vast plains, gentle hills and steeper mountain slopes. The conditions are ideal for the cultivation of Pinot Noir (but also Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc) and for the production of the best wines in Lombardy. Geologically, the soils have ancient origins and are fertile and rich in clay and iron, a composition that gives them their characteristic name of ‘red earth’.
The climate is more similar to that of the Mediterranean than the Alpine belt, characterised by hot summers and temperate, dry winters.
Oltrepò Pavese sparkling wines: production method and types
Production of Oltrepò Pavese sparkling wines follows the traditional stages of the Metodo Classico:
- Manual harvest and gentle crushing.
- First fermentation in stainless steel tanks in contact with carefully selected yeasts for about 20/30 days.
- Blending of wines from a single vintage or several vintages.
- Bottling with liqueur de tirage, a mixture of sugar and yeast that starts the second fermentation.
- Foaming in the cellar and ageing for a minimum period of 18 months.
- Regular turning over of the bottles (remuage) to separate the wine from deposits.
- Freezing of bottle necks and disgorgement to remove deposits.
- Replacement of the lost liquid by a mixture of wine from other vintages and sugar (liqueur d'expédition). The dosage that takes place at this time determines the level of sweetness of the wine).
These production phases may vary according to the various types of Oltrepò Pavese sparkling wine:
- Oltrepò Pavese Metodo Classico
- Oltrepò Pavese Metodo Classico Rosé
- Oltrepò Pavese Metodo Classico Pinot Noir
- Oltrepò Pavese Metodo Classico Pinot Noir Rosé
The Pinot Noir version calls for a higher percentage of this blend, while the Rosé version requires a longer period of resting of the must on the lees in order to give the wine its characteristic rosé colour.
Guide to tasting Oltrepò Pavese sparkling wines
Faced with the different types of Oltrepò Pavese, it is not easy to decide which bottle to start tasting. Svinando has therefore selected 3 labels not to be missed and to be uncorked at lunch, dinner or during an aperitif... obviously with the right dishes!
‘Cépage’ Oltrepò Metodo Classico DOCG Brut
The tasting of this iconic Lombardy sparkling wine should start with the basics, for example uncorking a bottle of ‘Cépage’ Oltrepò Metodo Classico DOCG Brut, which skilfully blends Pinot Noir with a small percentage of Chardonnay.
The balance obtained is excellent: the elegant and brilliant straw yellow colour anticipates an aromatic bouquet of great elegance, composed of fruity and floral notes and a noteworthy balsamic undertone, amplified by the presence of the Pinot Noir. The Chardonnay, on the other hand, refreshes the senses, tickling the palate with a subtle, mineral perlage reminiscent of citrus fruits.
To be drunk chilled - at an ideal temperature of 10°C - Spumante dell'Oltrepò Pavese Brut goes well with delicious crostini spread with fresh, creamy cheeses. For lovers of seafood aperitifs, this Oltrepò Pavese wine is an ideal companion for mixed fritters, fish balls, shellfish salads and scallops au gratin.
Oltrepò Metodo Classico DOCG ‘Oltrenero’ Brut Nature
Raising the percentage of Pinot Noir up to 100% - as in the case of Oltrepò Metodo Classico DOCG ‘Oltrenero’ Brut Nature - the characteristics of the wine change, from the golden hints in the glass to the notes of red fruits mingling with those of roses and acacia flowers. Currant and raspberry are the protagonists of the olfactory examination, with a touch of citrus and bread crust enriching the experience. In the mouth, it is savoury and fresh, enriched by a very pleasant citrus and almond aftertaste.
Served at 10°C, this brut sparkling wine is an ideal accompaniment to fish crudités - starting with a rich selection of sushi or mixed sashimi - to not too structured appetisers such as vegetable pies, or with delicate main courses such as fish pie, risotto or chicken recipes.
Oltrepò Metodo Classico DOCG ‘Oltrenero’ Rosé
Those, on the other hand, who would like to try this excellent Italian bubbly in its sparkling rosé version will find an excellent bottle in the Oltrepò Metodo Classico DOCG ‘Oltrenero’ Rosé, a wine with a brilliant pink colour and soft, elegant perlage.
Also in this case, the use of pure Pinot Noir gives the organoleptic profile of this wine unmistakable hints of small red fruits, including strawberries, currants and raspberries, wrapped in a more refreshing tangerine texture and the ever-present note of bread crust, given by the long period in contact with yeasts. On the palate, these traits are decisively re-proposed, along with a savoury note that immediately invites you to take another sip.
You are spoilt for choice as to how best to pair it: it can be uncorked at a temperature of 10°C during a richly grilled shellfish, or during an aperitif with mixed cold cuts, fried fish or vegetables. To warm up a chilly evening, Spumante dell'Oltrepò Pavese Rosè also goes very well with vegetable stews and land or sea soups with a not too intense flavour.
Make your aperitifs unforgettable with Svinando bubbles. Explore the catalogue and discover the rich selection of sparkling wines!