The Giorgi di Vistarino family has owned an agricultural estate in Rocca de' Giorgi since the mid-15th century. Ottavia Giorgi di Vistarino represents the current generation. In 1850 Count Augusto Giorgi di Vistarino planted the first Pinot Noir in the Oltrepò, importing the shoots from France. In 1865 the winery made the first wine in Italy by the classic method.
Pinot Noir is still the estate's signature grape. Oltrepò Pavese has more than 3,000 hectares of vineyards and is the third area in the world for Pinot Noir after Burgundy and Champagne. The estate is hilly, at 250 to 300 metres above sea level, and about a third of it is woodland. The range runs from red, white and rosé to Charmat and classic method sparkling and sweet wines.
The winery was completely renovated in 2017 and processes whole grapes exclusively by gravity. Ottavia is a newer cru from the historic San Silvestro vineyard, a fresh and vibrant Pinot Noir.
Not tasted yet
I haven't reviewed a wine from Conte Vistarino yet. They're on my Top 100 list, which is built from awards.