The Italy Wine Project

Regions / Lombardy

DOCGStill huntingModerate

Oltrepò Pavese Metodo Classico DOCG

Italy's largest Pinot Noir vineyard, used mostly for traditional-method sparkling wine that has to spend 15 months on lees (24 for vintage). The Pinot Nero-driven style is drier and more red-fruited than Franciacorta, with sour cherry, raspberry, bread crust and a lean, chalky finish; the Cruasé rosé shows the grape best. Prices are far lower than Franciacorta for similar craft, which is why it's a sommelier value pick. Quality is uneven across the big cooperatives, so stick with named estates.

Still hunting

I'm still looking for a bottle of this.

If you make Oltrepò Pavese Metodo Classico, 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

ProducerWinePriceBuy
Conte Vistarino
Oltrepò Pavese Metodo Classico Cruasé 1865
From the estate that planted Pinot Nero here in 1865; pale rosé with raspberry, blood orange and a dry chalky finish.
$30 to $40Wine-Searcher
Bruno Verdi
Oltrepò Pavese Metodo Classico Vergomberra Brut
Vintage-dated blanc de noirs style with green apple, bread crust and a taut finish; imported in small lots.
$28 to $38Wine-Searcher
Monsupello
Oltrepò Pavese Metodo Classico Nature
Zero-dosage Pinot Nero and Chardonnay from a top house; bone dry, lemon peel, hazelnut, sharp acidity.
$30 to $40Wine-Searcher