This month, the Italian Food, Wine and Travel writers are exploring a new-to-me, and lesser known region of Italy – Oltrepò Pavese. Susannah Gold, founder of Vigneto Communications is hosting this month. She is a Brand Ambassador for the Oltrepò here in the U.S., and graciously arranged samples for our group.

Oltrepò Pavese, which is sometime referred to as the “Tuscany of the North” is located in Lombardia. It’s about 40 miles south of Milan, the capital of Lombardia. It is bordered by Piemonte, Liguria and Emilia-Romagna. Its name means “beyond the River Po in the Pavia region.”

Oltrepò Pavese At A Glance

• There are four primary grape varieties – Pinot Nero, Croatina, Barbera and Riesling
• 75 million bottles sold annually, including 500,000 bottles of sparkling wine.
• 13,000+ hectares of vineyards. The largest grower of Pinot Nero in Italy and third largest Pinot Noir growing region in Europe after Champagne and Burgundy.
• The DOC/DOCG classified wines composed of two DOCG for Metodo Classico sparkling wines and seven still DOCs red and white wines.
• Located on the 45th parallel like Bordeaux and Oregon. Its vineyards are nestled in the foothills between the Apennines and the river Po, which offer maritime influence and well-drained soils rich in clay and calcareous marl.
• The region is following the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations

For more detailed information about Oltrepò Pavese, please read our host Susannah’s excellent post about the region, here

Disclosure: These wines were provided as media samples. No other compensation was involved, all opinions are mine.

Travaglino Cuvée 59 Brut

This wine is a blend of 80% Pinot Nero and 20% Chardonnay made in the traditional method. Fermented in stainless steel. Aged sur lie for at least 24 months. It is classified as a DOCG wine.

Tasting Note:

Pale straw color with very inviting white peach, dried apricot, bread dough, citrus zest and white flower aromas. On the palate, it’s medium-bodied and very fresh with a creamy mousse and white peach, dried apricot, yellow and a bit of green apple, and Meyer lemon flavors accented with appealing chalky undertones. 12.5% abv.

This captivating wine paired beautifully with appetizers of “meat and potatoes” (potato chips topped with prosciutto), triple creme brie, and a bit of salame.

About Travaglino

The story of Travaglino is one of evolution from medieval monastery to nineteenth century winegrowing estate. According to its website, it is the oldest winery Oltrepò Pavese. Today, the fifth generation of the Comi family is at the helm of the its operations which include 80 hectares of vineyards, 12 farmstead, and an historic inn in the charming village of Travaglino.

2017 Conte Vistarino Pernice Pinot Nero

Tasting Note:

Translucent ruby color with red and sour cherry, plum, cedar wood, cacao and a hint of dried violet aromas. On the palate it’s medium-bodied and very fresh with well integrated suave tannins, and flavors of black and sour cherry, blackberry, and a hint of pomegranate accented with spicy undertones. 100% Pinot Nero (a.k.a Pinot Noir) from the Penice Cru raised in French barriques for 12 months followed by 12 months in bottle. 14% abv.

This alluring and harmonious wine was wonderful paired with Wild Mushroom Risotto.

About Conte Vistarino

Conte Vistarino is a family run business whose history dates back to 1629! . Their 826 hectare estate includes 200 hectares, of which the vast majority is is Pinot Nero. Count Augusto Carlo Giorgi di Vistarino planted imported Pinot Noir clones from Burgundy in 1850. And in 1865 was the first make traditional method sparkling wine.

Today, the business is run by Ottavia Giorgi di Vistarino.

Oltrepò Pavese Discoveries by Italian Food, Wine & Travel Writers
Want to learn more about Oltrepò Pavese? I invite you to read our posts below, then join our conversation on Twitter on Saturday Feb. 5 from 8-9 am CST. Just follow the #ItalianFWT hashtag.

• Payal of Keep the Peas shares Just Now Discovering Oltrepò Pavese.
• Camilla from Culinary Adventures with Camilla adds Second Pours of Oltrepò Pavese Wines with BraisedShort Ribs and Puff Pastry.
• Linda from My Full Wine Glass brings Flying Under the Radar with an Oltrepò Pavese Sparkling Rosé.
• Terri from Our Good Life dishes about Stone Crabs with Oltrepò Pavese.
• Martin from ENOFYLZ Wine Blog showcases A Taste Of The Unsung Wines of Oltrepò Pavese.
• Deanna from Wineivore posts Wine for the Priest! from Oltrepo Pavese, Italy.
• Jeff from Food Wine Click! waxes about the Surprising Wines of Oltrepò Pavese.
• Rupal from Syrah Queen posts Oltrepò Pavese Wines -One of Italy’s Best Kept Secret.
• Gwendolyn from Wine Predator…Gwendolyn Alley showcases 2 Pinot Nero from Oltrepò Pavese with Polenta, Taleggio.
• David from Cooking Chat reflects on Tasting and Pairing with Oltrepo’ PaveseWines.
• Wendy from A Day in the Life on the Farm checks out Cheesy Vegetable Lasagna paired with Oltrepo Pavese Wine.
• Liz from What’s In that Bottle suggests we Check Out ‘the Other Side of the Pó’ for Tasty Italian Wines.
• Jennifer from Vino Travels adds Pinot Nero in Abundance in the Oltrepò Pavese.
• Lisa from The Wine Chef writes Off The Beaten Path: Oltrepò Pavese, A Wine Region to Know About.
• Susannah from Avvinare writes about Wine Treasures To Be Found in Oltrepò Pavese.