(Good) wine is produced in almost all of Italy, but one region more than all the others brings to mind stretches of vineyards, rivers of wine and seas of beaming faces.
We’re talking about the Oltrepò Pavese area!
Once famous for producing bulk wine, over the years it has discovered its true vocation: Pinot Noir.
Not everyone knows that the Oltrepò area actually sits on the 45th parallel, in the same band as Burgundy or, to put it simply, the land world-famous for being the undisputed queen of Pinot Noir.
And in fact, it would seem that the 45th parallel shares a particular affinity with this grape variety, bringing out an expressive force that no other region is capable of achieving.
The producers In Oltrepò only discovered this later on, but in the meantime, they had rolled up their sleeves and set to work. The result is a range of incredible products, from elegant sparkling wines to sophisticated, ethereal reds. And this is why we decided to dedicate an evening to this generous wine-producing region. We selected no less than seven labels, including wines based on Pinot Noir and others made from autochthonous grape varieties, all the pride and joy of the Oltrepò area, characterizing its style.
We’d like to thank the Daniele Invernizzi cheese plant for supplying the cheeses used in the tasting session. We had great fun discover which ones paired best with which wines.
HERE’S WHAT WE TASTED
Io per te, Prime Alture, #Brilliant, bubbly
Made with Pinot Noir, this bottle expresses all the elegance of the most refined grape variety in the world which, compared with the softer, rounder Chardonnay, offers to revitalize sensations of freshness, released by a subtle, delicate froth. Thanks to the long aging process in the bottle, it presents fruity notes of white peach and pear and hints of roasted nuts and fresh-baked bread.
Cruasè, Mazzolino, #Playful sparkling wine
The Rosé Brut “Cruasé” Classic method made by the Mazzolino winery is obtained from single-varietal Pinot Noir grapes. To the nose, it produces fragrant fruity aromas of red berries, including raspberry, wild strawberry and blackcurrant, white flowers and shades of rosemary. In the mouth, it is soft, silky and fresh, with a slightly sapid tang that blends with the aromas of red berries.
Due to its creaminess, we all agreed on how to label its character: #Playful.
Centopercento 2018, Prime Alture, #Laidback Pinot Noir
The Centopercento is a single-varietal Pinot Noir in a beautiful shade of ruby red, subtle and light-bodied, featuring a good, refreshing acidity. Its bouquet evokes fresh red fruits, in particular, cherry and redcurrant, with a subtle spicy note. It is an excellent example of a wine with a “Relaxed character because it is fragrant and easy to drink.
Blanche Marie 2016, Ottavio Dezza, #Magnetic Pinot Noir
A characterizing Pinot Noir that succeeds in expressing both the identity of its territory and the intrinsic characteristics of the grape variety. With a deep ruby red color, it has a decent body, a structure lightened by its acidity and a sapid note. It is left to ferment in steel casks but then spends a period in small oak barrels. The aroma harbors the typical notes of the Pinot, a blend of red berries and spices.
Character? #Magnetic!
Cresta del Ghiffi 2018, Fratelli Agnes, #Sensual Bonarda
“Cresta del Ghiffi” by Fratelli Agnes, is made with Croatina single-varietal wine, also known as Bonarda, from one selected vine.
The grapes are left to over-ripen and in the glass, this translates into the softness and roundness that distinguish a wine with an #Sensual character! Fermentation and aging take place in steel casks, to preserve all the vibrancy, freshness and the fruity character of the grape variety.
The sparkling Bonarda presents a clear, bright ruby red, animated by a rich, persistent froth. Its intense scents are reminiscent of grape must and berries, such as strawberry and blackcurrant. It is the perfect accompaniment for the traditional dishes of Pavia and also pairs well with the local dishes of Piacenza, such as cured meats and fried gnocchi.
Loghetto 2016, Fratelli Agnes, #Sensual Croatina
The Loghetto gives the impression of being a completely different version of the Croatina grape variety we had mentioned above when describing the sparkling “Cresta dei Ghiffi” Bonarda.
So it’s easy to see why the Agnes Brothers’ company is known as the “Universe of Croatina”, due precisely to the high quality of the wines they make with this grape variety. Just think that the varietals from which the grapes used to make Loghetto are sourced are more than 100 years old!
With an impenetrable dark ruby red color, it is a plummy, warm, soft and round wine, with grippy tannin.
It ferments thanks to the action of its natural yeasts in concrete basins and then spends about 6 months in the bottle.
Its aroma presents notes of alcohol-soaked cherry, berries, dried prune, geranium, violet joined by appetizing balsamic notes and whiffs of spices.
Soft and well-rounded with “love handles” …we simply had to give it an #Sensual character!
A really super night that enabled us to learn more about this land, so rich and with so many hidden treasures.
Remember that you can taste Daniele Invernizzi’s cheese at the Cascina Cornella Agriturismo in Cremeno.
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