Oltrepò - Land of Pinot Noir: A Region, a Grape, Two Excellences

Posted by Rowena Dumlao Rowena Dumlao - Giardina 10/09/2024

Oltrepò - Land of Pinot Noir: A Region, a Grape, Two Excellences

The picturesque region of Oltrepò Pavese, known for its rich winemaking heritage, has taken a bold step forward. At the recent event, “Oltrepò – Terra di Pinot Nero: Un Territorio, un Vitigno, Due Eccellenze” (Oltrepò – Land of Pinot Noir: One Territory, One Grape, Two Excellences), held at Antica Tenuta Pegazzera in Casteggio, Lombardy, the focus was on celebrating the region’s two distinguished wine designations: Oltrepò Pavese Metodo Classico DOCG and Pinot Nero dell’Oltrepò Pavese DOC. Now in its fourth edition, the event, organized by the Consorzio Tutela Vini Oltrepò Pavese, brought together winemakers, experts, and local leaders, all united in advancing this remarkable wine-growing area.

The wine producers of Consorzio Tutela Vini Oltrepò Pavese

This year’s event went beyond a typical tasting. Under the new leadership of Director Riccardo Binda and President Francesca Seralvo, the Consorzio introduced a renewed mission: to reinforce the region’s identity by not only showcasing its celebrated Pinot Noir but also emphasizing a holistic focus on quality, transparency, and a strong supply chain.

From Left to Right: Valentina Vercelli, Alessandro Beduschi, Francesca Seralvo, Riccardo Binda, Filippo Bartolotta

“Oggi è il giorno del rinnovamento,” Seralvo declared, underscoring that the event was about more than promoting a single grape. For years, the narrative around Pinot Nero in Oltrepò Pavese has been somewhat one-dimensional, but now the Consorzio is shifting its focus to highlight not just the grape but also the vineyards, the wines, and the people behind them.

With a keen eye on innovation, the Consorzio’s new strategy expands the legacy of Pinot Nero by working closely with local producers and partners. Oltrepò Pavese is setting the stage for a renaissance, not just in its vineyards but in how it presents itself to the world. This transformation is fueled by the passion of the people who live and breathe the region. During the event, Alessandro Beduschi, Lombardy’s Regional Councillor for Agriculture, emphasized the importance of the region’s heritage. “Oltrepò Pavese has the potential to regain its former grandeur,” he remarked, highlighting the strength of its viticulture and the dedication of its winemakers. As the global wine market increasingly values quality over quantity, Oltrepò Pavese is well-positioned to capitalize on this shift. “It’s time to stop chasing mass production and focus on what makes this region truly special,” Beduschi added.

The Three Pillars of Renewal: Quality, Transparency, and Supply Chain

After years of experience in Bolgheri, Director Riccardo Binda has returned to Oltrepò Pavese with a renewed vision. “This is the right time for Oltrepò to find its true path,” he emphasized, pointing out that the region’s potential has long been underutilized. Now, under his leadership and that of President Francesca Seralvo, the Consorzio is committed to a holistic approach that will strengthen Oltrepò Pavese’s identity and prepare it to shine on the global stage.

Quality: A cornerstone of the Consorzio’s vision, quality extends beyond the wine itself to encompass the entire production process. The goal is to elevate Oltrepò Pavese’s reputation on the world stage by ensuring that every bottle reflects the region’s potential for excellence. By championing quality, the Consorzio aims to showcase not just the character of Pinot Noir but also the diverse varietals and styles that make Oltrepò Pavese unique.

Transparency: In the past, Oltrepò Pavese has faced challenges, but the Consorzio is committed to rebuilding trust and credibility. Transparency is central to this effort, ensuring that consumers and partners can have full confidence in the integrity of Oltrepò Pavese wines. By working closely with regulatory bodies and certification organizations, the Consorzio is dedicated to upholding the highest standards and protecting the authenticity of local wine production.

Supply Chain: Recognizing the importance of collaboration across the supply chain, the Consorzio is actively working with cooperatives and local producers to create a more cohesive, sustainable, and resilient wine industry. The cooperative system, which has long been a part of the region’s fabric, plays a pivotal role in this new approach. By strengthening the entire supply chain, the Consorzio aims to create a solid foundation for Oltrepò Pavese wines to thrive both locally and internationally.

Through these three pillars, the Consorzio Tutela Vini Oltrepò Pavese is fostering a renewed sense of purpose and pride in the region, aiming to position Oltrepò Pavese as a leader in quality winemaking and as a model of integrity in the industry.

The Tastings

The heart of the event was, naturally, the Pinot Noir. With 32 wineries in attendance and over 121 labels on display, attendees, including sommeliers, journalists, and industry experts, had the unique opportunity to explore the diverse expressions of Oltrepò Pavese’s signature grape.

The tasting sessions were further enriched by masterclasses led by renowned experts Valentina Vercelli and Filippo Bartolotta, who provided in-depth insights into the complexities of Oltrepò Pavese Pinot Noir DOC and Metodo Classico DOCG. Vercelli highlighted the versatility and impressive quality-to-price ratio of the Metodo Classico wines, while Bartolotta discussed the exciting evolution in the region’s Pinot Noir, noting a shift towards more authentic, fruit-forward styles. “The wines are becoming more elegant, with a focus on fruit rather than heavy oak. I’m excited to see where this evolution takes us,” Bartolotta remarked, pointing to a bright future for the region’s wines.