Also by Jeremy Young:The Italy Wine ProjectThe Humidor Project
The Italy Wine Project

Regions / Lombardy

DOCStill huntingModerate

Oltrepò Pavese DOC

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IL PROGETTODOCOLTREPÒ PAVESEAAIT04851327Denominazione di Origine Controllata

No strip issued. I'm still hunting a bottle.

A sprawling DOC that supplies Milan with cheap, honest wine of every color: fizzy reds, still Barbera, Riesling, Moscato, Pinot Nero and Charmat sparklers. The Barbera-Croatina reds are plum and cherry-flavored with bright acidity; the Riesling (much of it Riesling Italico) is dry, appley and slightly waxy; the Charmat sparklers are simple and clean. Quality varies enormously because the cooperatives dominate. Bruno Verdi, Frecciarossa, Conte Vistarino and Tenuta Mazzolino are safe.

Still hunting

I'm still looking for a bottle of this.

If you make Oltrepò Pavese, import it, or know who does, the form takes two minutes and I reply to every one.

Can you help me get one?

Bottles I'm chasing

  • Bruno Verdi

    Oltrepò Pavese Riesling Vigna Costa

    Riesling Renano from a top estate; lime, green apple, a waxy texture and dry mineral finish.

    $20 to $25Wine-Searcher
  • Frecciarossa

    Oltrepò Pavese Rosso Villa Odero

    Historic estate's Barbera and Croatina blend; cherry, plum, pepper, medium body, soft tannin.

    $18 to $25Wine-Searcher
  • Cantina di Casteggio

    Oltrepò Pavese Barbera

    Cooperative bottling with broad US distribution; simple, tart, cherry-driven Barbera for weeknights.

    $12 to $16Wine-Searcher