Discover Oltrepò Pavese wines from Lombardy: 3rd largest Pinot Nero producer globally, metodo classico sparkling, Italian wine value at $20 or less.
When an Italian Wine Ambassador dedicates a tasting to a region most wine enthusiasts have never heard of, smart drinkers pay attention—because discovery often leads to exceptional value hiding in plain sight.
Oltrepo Pavese wines from Lombardy at IEEM’s Simply Italian Great Wines
Susannah Gold shared Oltrepò Pavese wines at IEEM’s Simply Italian Great Wines event October 24 in NYC, introducing attendees to a north-west Italian region in Lombardy that produces remarkable wines, many at $20 or less, yet remains largely unknown outside Italy despite being the third largest producer of Pinot Nero (Pinot Noir) globally, just behind France’s Burgundy and Champagne.
For wine collectors and enthusiasts from Beverly Hills to West Hollywood to Santa Monica who love Burgundy Pinot Noir but find pricing increasingly prohibitive, or who appreciate Italian wine’s food-pairing versatility and value, Oltrepò Pavese represents genuine discovery: a region with viticulture dating to 40 BC, producing metodo classico sparkling wines from Pinot Nero alongside still reds, whites from Pinot Grigio and Riesling, and unique expressions of Croatina and Barbera—all delivering great flavor, great food pairing possibilities, and accessible price tags that make exploration risk-free rather than investment-level commitment.
Here’s why this Lombardy region deserves attention from serious wine drinkers seeking quality beyond overexposed appellations, plus tasting notes from six wines that showcase Oltrepò Pavese’s diversity and excellence.
So Much Italian Wine Packed with Flavor—Yet Undiscovered
So much Italian wine is packed with great flavor, great food pairing possibilities, even great price tags ($20 or less). And yet many of us don’t reach for their bottles at the wine shop because we haven’t discovered them yet.
This phenomenon—excellent Italian wines remaining obscure despite quality and value—stems from several factors:
Italy’s wine complexity intimidates consumers. With 20 regions, hundreds of indigenous grape varieties, and labeling that references geography, grapes, production methods, and quality designations simultaneously, Italian wine requires education that many retailers and restaurants don’t provide adequately.
Famous regions dominate shelf space and consciousness. Tuscany (Chianti, Brunello, Super Tuscans), Piedmont (Barolo, Barbaresco), Veneto (Amarone, Prosecco), and a few others capture disproportionate attention, leaving lesser-known regions invisible despite comparable or superior quality-to-price ratios.
Marketing budgets favor established brands. Large producers and famous estates can afford consumer advertising, restaurant placements, and sommelier education. Small regions like Oltrepò Pavese rely on passionate ambassadors like Susannah Gold and specialty importers to spread awareness organically.
For wine enthusiasts willing to explore beyond comfortable defaults, this situation creates opportunity: discover exceptional wines at fraction of famous-region pricing, impress dinner guests with interesting bottles they’ve never encountered, and support small producers who prioritize quality over marketing spend.
Oltrepò Pavese is a great example of this undiscovered excellence—a region with ancient viticulture history, world-class Pinot Nero production, diverse terroir, and prices that make experimentation accessible rather than risky.
Where Is Oltrepo Pavese? Lombardy’s Wine-Producing Province
Oltrepò Pavese is in the north-west Italian region of Lombardy. Within Italy’s 20 regions, Lombardy (or Lombardia) is located on the Northern end, bordered by Piemonte, Emilia-Romagna, Veneto, and Trentino-Alto Adige.
This geographic positioning matters significantly for understanding Oltrepò Pavese’s wines and character:
Proximity to Piedmont (Piemonte) means Oltrepò Pavese shares some climatic and geological characteristics with regions producing Barolo, Barbaresco, and other prestigious Nebbiolo-based wines. The rolling hills, continental climate influence, and calcareous soils create conditions where quality viticulture thrives.
Lombardy’s diverse geography—from Alpine peaks to Po River valley plains—creates microclimates and terroir variations that support wide range of grape varieties and wine styles. Oltrepò Pavese specifically benefits from hillside vineyards with excellent drainage, sun exposure, and temperature moderation.
Northern Italian viticulture tradition emphasizes food pairing over standalone wine drinking. These wines are crafted to complement cuisine rather than dominate it—creating versatile bottles that work across multiple courses and cooking styles.
For wine collectors and enthusiasts familiar with Piedmont’s Barolo or Lombardy’s Franciacorta (Italy’s prestigious metodo classico sparkling wine region), Oltrepò Pavese represents neighboring territory with similar quality potential but without the brand recognition that drives premium pricing.
Oltrepo Pavese History: From 40 BC to Third-Largest Pinot Nero Producer
Oltrepò Pavese has long wine history. It’s called “The Old World” for a reason.
Viticulture was mentioned in the area as early as 40 BC. This ancient heritage places Oltrepò Pavese among Italy’s oldest documented wine regions, with two millennia of accumulated knowledge about which sites produce best fruit, which varieties thrive in local conditions, and which winemaking techniques honor terroir.
By the 1800s, the area was growing more than 200 grape varieties. This incredible diversity reflects both experimentation and adaptability—winemakers discovering through centuries of trial which varieties express local terroir most compellingly.
Eventually it became the third largest producer of Pinot Nero grape, just behind France’s Burgundy and Champagne.
This statistic deserves emphasis. Pinot Noir is notoriously difficult to grow successfully—demanding specific climatic conditions, showing extreme sensitivity to terroir variations, and requiring careful winemaking to express varietal character without faults. That Oltrepò Pavese produces enough quality Pinot Nero to rank third globally (behind only the grape’s spiritual homes in Burgundy and Champagne) signals genuine suitability and expertise.
For Burgundy lovers facing $50+ bottles for village-level wines and $100-500+ for premier and grand crus, Oltrepò Pavese Pinot Nero offers exciting alternative: wines from region with proven Pinot expertise, similar continental climate influences, and pricing that makes exploration accessible.
According to wine historians and Italian viticulture experts, Oltrepò Pavese’s Pinot Nero clones and winemaking traditions influenced other Italian regions’ Pinot programs, with cuttings and knowledge flowing from Lombardy throughout Italy as Pinot Noir gained popularity beyond its French origins.
Oltrepò Pavese Grapes: Pinot Noir, Croatina, Barbera, Riesling
There are four main grape varieties in Oltrepò Pavese: Pinot Noir, Croatina, Barbera, Riesling. In addition, other popular options are: Pinot Grigio and Moscato.
This diverse portfolio creates versatility that single-variety-focused regions cannot match:
Pinot Noir (Pinot Nero in Italian) produces everything from elegant still reds to metodo classico sparkling wines, demonstrating the grape’s range when grown in appropriate terroir with skilled winemaking.
Croatina is indigenous Italian variety producing deeply colored, full-bodied reds with dark fruit character and moderate tannins. It’s often used in Bonarda dell’Oltrepò Pavese DOC—though confusingly, “Bonarda” in this region refers primarily to Croatina grape rather than true Bonarda variety. This wine offers completely different profile than Pinot Nero—bigger, fruitier, more immediately approachable.
Barbera is Piedmont’s famous variety that also thrives in Oltrepò Pavese, producing wines with characteristic high acidity, bright red fruit, and food-friendly structure. Barbera’s natural acidity makes it exceptional food wine—cutting through rich, fatty dishes while refreshing palate between bites.
Riesling demonstrates Oltrepò Pavese’s climatic suitability for this noble white variety that demands cool growing conditions and long ripening seasons. Italian Riesling remains underappreciated globally, offering excellent quality-to-price ratios for those seeking alternatives to German, Alsatian, or Austrian expressions.
Pinot Grigio provides the crisp, refreshing whites that Italian wine drinkers expect, though Oltrepò Pavese versions often show more body and character than mass-produced examples from Veneto.
Moscato offers aromatic, often slightly sweet wines perfect as aperitifs or dessert pairings.
This variety means Oltrepò Pavese can provide complete wine program—sparkling, white, rosé, light red, full-bodied red, sweet—allowing restaurants and collectors to source diverse styles from single region while maintaining coherent regional identity.
Oltrepò Pavese Grapes: Pinot Noir, Croatina, Barbera, Riesling
There are four main grape varieties in Oltrepò Pavese: Pinot Noir, Croatina, Barbera, Riesling. In addition, other popular options are: Pinot Grigio and Moscato.
This diverse portfolio creates versatility that single-variety-focused regions cannot match:
Pinot Noir (Pinot Nero in Italian) produces everything from elegant still reds to metodo classico sparkling wines, demonstrating the grape’s range when grown in appropriate terroir with skilled winemaking.
Croatina is indigenous Italian variety producing deeply colored, full-bodied reds with dark fruit character and moderate tannins. It’s often used in Bonarda dell’Oltrepò Pavese DOC—though confusingly, “Bonarda” in this region refers primarily to Croatina grape rather than true Bonarda variety. This wine offers completely different profile than Pinot Nero—bigger, fruitier, more immediately approachable.
Barbera is Piedmont’s famous variety that also thrives in Oltrepò Pavese, producing wines with characteristic high acidity, bright red fruit, and food-friendly structure. Barbera’s natural acidity makes it exceptional food wine—cutting through rich, fatty dishes while refreshing palate between bites.
Riesling demonstrates Oltrepò Pavese’s climatic suitability for this noble white variety that demands cool growing conditions and long ripening seasons. Italian Riesling remains underappreciated globally, offering excellent quality-to-price ratios for those seeking alternatives to German, Alsatian, or Austrian expressions.
Pinot Grigio provides the crisp, refreshing whites that Italian wine drinkers expect, though Oltrepò Pavese versions often show more body and character than mass-produced examples from Veneto.
Moscato offers aromatic, often slightly sweet wines perfect as aperitifs or dessert pairings.
This variety means Oltrepò Pavese can provide complete wine program—sparkling, white, rosé, light red, full-bodied red, sweet—allowing restaurants and collectors to source diverse styles from single region while maintaining coherent regional identity.
Sparkling Wine in Oltrepò Pavese: Metodo Classico Excellence
Do they do sparkling? They do.
Pinot Noir vine clones started getting used in the 1800s and by the 1900s sparkling wine production took off.
Sparkling wine made in the south of Lombardy’s Pavia province uses Pinot Nero (Noir) as dominant grape in all wines made under this title, including either white or rosé.
The metodo classico is Italy’s version of the méthode traditionnelle, proudly used (and protected) by winemakers of France’s Champagne. This production method—secondary fermentation in bottle, extended lees aging, hand riddling or mechanical gyropalettes—creates complex, bread-doughy, autolytic character that distinguishes serious sparkling wines from simpler Charmat/tank method productions.
Oltrepò Metodo Classico DOCG requires minimum of 70% Pinot Noir
Oltrepò Metodo Classico Cruasé (rosé) requires minimum of 75% Pinot Noir
These DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita—Italy’s highest quality designation) regulations ensure production standards maintain quality and regional character. For sparkling wine enthusiasts familiar with Franciacorta (Lombardy’s more famous metodo classico region), Oltrepò Pavese offers similar quality at lower prices due to lesser brand recognition.
The sparkling wines tasted at Susannah Gold’s event demonstrate this quality:
Testarossa Oltrepò Pavese DOCG Metodo Classico Pinot Nero 2016 – La Versa
In the glass: Brilliant straw yellow. White and creamy mousse, with continuous perlage (bubbles).
Nose: Crusty bread with citrus finish—the characteristic autolytic/yeasty character that comes from extended lees aging in metodo classico production, plus bright citrus that keeps wine fresh and lively.
Mouth: Soft feel, fresh and lively, with lingering red fruit aftertaste. The red fruit notes come from Pinot Nero grape despite white wine color—a phenomenon similar to Champagne blanc de noirs.
Pairing: Would pair well with white fish, salmon, mussels—the classic sparkling wine and seafood combination that works because bubbles and acidity cut through richness while complementing delicate flavors.
This wine demonstrates why Oltrepò Pavese deserves attention from Champagne and Franciacorta lovers: serious metodo classico production delivering complexity and elegance at accessible pricing.
Still Wine Tasting Notes: Whites and Reds Showcasing Diversity
The tasting featured five additional wines demonstrating Oltrepò Pavese’s range across white and red styles:
Oltrepò Pavese Pinot Grigio DOC 2021 – Vanzini
In the glass: Copper tones—indicating ramato/skin-contact style or simply riper picking.
Nose: Floral notes of apple, pear—fresh orchard fruit aromatics.
Mouth: Soft, elegant mouthfeel, with hints of toast and cream—texture and richness beyond typical Pinot Grigio.
Pairing: Would pair well with fish and creamy cheeses.
This Pinot Grigio shows more character than mass-produced versions, offering substance alongside refreshment.
Sommossa Bonarda dell’Oltrepò Pavese DOC 2021 – Castello di Luzzano
In the glass: Ruby red with purple tinges—youthful, vibrant color.
Nose: Notes of blackberry and black currant—dark fruit aromatics.
Mouth: Dry and tannic with persistent black currant—structured wine with moderate tannins and lasting finish.
Pairing: (Not specified, but tannic structure suggests grilled meats, aged cheeses, hearty pastas)
This represents Croatina-based Bonarda—fuller-bodied, fruit-forward style completely different from Pinot Nero’s elegance.
Tiamat, Pinot Nero dell’Oltrepò Pavese DOC 2020 – Cordero San Giorgio
In the glass: Luminous ruby red color.
Nose: Red fruit aromas—classic Pinot Noir red cherry, raspberry character.
Mouth: Red fruit with hint of spice, soft mouthfeel—approachable Pinot with gentle tannins.
Pairing: Would pair well with chicken and turkey—versatile food wine for poultry that wouldn’t overpower delicate meat.
This accessible Pinot Nero demonstrates the variety’s versatility beyond age-worthy, complex expressions.
Pernice Pinot Nero dell’Oltrepò Pavese DOC 2018 – Conte Vistarino
In the glass: Ruby red with garnet specks—showing some age/development.
Nose: Complex violet notes with roasted coffee and cocoa—tertiary development adding savory complexity to fruit.
Mouth: Big and elegant. Full body of red fruit with spicy finish—structured Pinot with depth and complexity.
Pairing: Could be deliciously paired with gamey and roasted meats, rabbit, mushrooms—serious food wine for rich, earthy dishes.
This represents more ambitious Pinot Nero—wine with aging potential and complexity rivaling quality Burgundy.
Noir, Pinot Nero dell’Oltrepò Pavese DOC 2018 – Mazzolino
In the glass: Deep bright ruby red with garnet edge.
Nose: Raspberry, and subtle blend of earth and white pepper—classic Pinot aromatics with savory complexity.
Mouth: Roasted red berries and earthy accents. But the wine keeps opening up! Sweeter red cherry and silky richness that lingers.
Pairing: Could pair well with grilled salmon in wine sauce—sophisticated pairing that honors wine’s complexity.
The note that “wine keeps opening up” suggests proper cellaring and winemaking that rewards patience and aeration—hallmarks of serious Pinot Noir production.
Why Oltrepò Pavese Deserves Your Attention
For upscale wine collectors and enthusiasts throughout Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Santa Monica, and beyond, Oltrepò Pavese offers several compelling reasons to explore:
Value proposition: Quality wines at $20 or less (many examples) deliver flavor, complexity, and food-pairing versatility that costs 2-3x more from famous regions.
Pinot Noir alternative: Third-largest Pinot Nero producer globally means genuine expertise and suitable terroir, offering Burgundy-style elegance without Burgundy pricing.
Metodo classico sparkling: Serious traditional-method sparkling wines rivaling Champagne and Franciacorta at fraction of cost.
Food-pairing versatility: Italian wine tradition emphasizes cuisine compatibility, creating bottles that enhance meals rather than demanding standalone appreciation.
Discovery factor: Serving Oltrepò Pavese wines impresses guests with knowledge of obscure-but-excellent regions, signaling sophistication beyond simply ordering expensive famous labels.
Sustainable exploration: $20 price points make trying multiple bottles low-risk, allowing you to discover personal favorites without significant financial commitment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where is Oltrepò Pavese located and what makes it special?
A: Oltrepò Pavese is in Lombardy, north-west Italy, bordered by Piedmont, Emilia-Romagna, Veneto, and Trentino-Alto Adige. It’s the third-largest producer of Pinot Nero (Pinot Noir) globally after Burgundy and Champagne, with viticulture dating to 40 BC. The region produces diverse wines—metodo classico sparkling, Pinot Nero reds, Croatina-based Bonarda, Barbera, Riesling, Pinot Grigio—many at $20 or less.
Q: What is metodo classico and how does Oltrepò Pavese sparkling wine compare to Champagne?
A: Metodo classico is Italy’s term for méthode traditionnelle—secondary fermentation in bottle, extended lees aging, creating complex, bread-doughy character similar to Champagne. Oltrepò Pavese Metodo Classico DOCG requires minimum 70% Pinot Nero and follows traditional production methods, delivering quality comparable to Champagne and Franciacorta at more accessible pricing due to lesser brand recognition.
Q: What grape varieties does Oltrepò Pavese grow?
A: Four main varieties: Pinot Noir (Pinot Nero), Croatina, Barbera, and Riesling. Additional popular options include Pinot Grigio and Moscato. This diversity allows complete wine program from single region—sparkling, white, rosé, light red, full-bodied red, sweet—each expressing local terroir and winemaking tradition.
Q: Who is Susannah Gold and why is she promoting Oltrepò Pavese?
A: Susannah Gold is an Italian Wine Ambassador who shared Oltrepò Pavese wines at IEEM’s Simply Italian Great Wines event October 24 in NYC. Wine ambassadors educate consumers, sommeliers, and trade about lesser-known regions deserving attention, helping excellent-but-undiscovered wines reach audiences who would appreciate their quality and value.
Discover Lombardy’s Hidden Pinot Noir Treasure
Italian wine’s greatest frustration—and opportunity—is that so much excellence remains undiscovered by American wine drinkers. Oltrepò Pavese exemplifies this perfectly: a region with ancient viticulture, world-class Pinot Nero production, metodo classico sparkling wines, diverse grape varieties, and accessible pricing, yet virtually unknown outside specialist circles.
Susannah Gold’s educational tasting at IEEM’s Simply Italian Great Wines event represents exactly the kind of ambassador work that connects curious drinkers with remarkable wines they’d never discover browsing generic wine shop shelves dominated by Chianti, Pinot Grigio, and Prosecco.
For wine collectors and enthusiasts throughout Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Santa Monica, and greater Los Angeles seeking alternatives to overpriced Burgundy, exploring Italian wine beyond Tuscany and Piedmont, or simply wanting exceptional food wines at reasonable prices, Oltrepò Pavese delivers on every criterion.
Next time you’re shopping for wine or scanning restaurant lists, look for Oltrepò Pavese—whether metodo classico sparkling, elegant Pinot Nero, fruit-forward Bonarda, or crisp Pinot Grigio. You’re discovering one of Italian wine’s best-kept secrets: the Lombardy region producing quality that rivals famous neighbors at prices that make exploration pleasure rather than investment.
Great flavor. Great food pairing. Great price tags. All waiting to be discovered in bottles from Oltrepò Pavese.
