Oltrepo Pavese

Oltrepo Pavese Wines shine with authentic Italian Pizza pairing at NYC’s Sottocasa Pizzeria

Oltrepo Pavese shines with authentic Italian wine pairing at Harlem’s Sottocasa Pizzeria.

Tonight some of NYC’s top wine and lifestyle writers joined the Oltrepò Pavese to talk and taste through the wines and culture of Oltrepo Pavese, the north-west Italian region of Lombardy, Italy.

A visit to Italy’s Oltrepo Pavese

Oltrepò Pavese is a wine region in the north-western Italian region of Lombardy.

The main grape varieties grown in this area are Barbera, Dolcetto, and Chardonnay. Also, they produce Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling Italico, Riesling, and Pinot Nero.

Italian Wine Personality Susannah Gold hosted tonight’s dinner along with the Oltrepo Pavese tourism team.

Taste Harlem’s Authentic Italian at Sottocasa

From their Sottocasa website:

“Located in the heart and soul of New York City—Sottocasa Harlem is owned and operated by husband and wife duo, Elena and Matteo.

With a passion and love for pizza stemming back to their native Italy, Harlem now has it’s own Napoli serving up authentic Neapolitan pizza and amore!”

Harlem’s Sottocasa Italian pizzas were a great choice as pair well with wine.  

Their menu includes antipasti, pizze rosse, pizze bianche, and an impressive beer and wine selection. 

 

We tasted through several pizza and wine pairings:

 

Defilippi, Oltrepo Pavese Pinot Grigoi DOC, Crocetta 2021

Defilippi, Oltrepo Pavese Pinot Grigoi DOC, Crocetta 2021

Defilippi, Oltrepo Pavese Pinot Grigoi DOC, Crocetta 2021

In the glass, light yellow with golden reflections.

On the nose,  light floral and citrus

A heavy mouth of minerality.  Refreshing, full bodied with a lingering finish.

Would pair well with seafood, salad, deli meats

Vitivinicola Vanzini Sas, Oltrepo Pavese Pinot Grigio DOC 2021

Vitivinicola Vanzini Sas, Oltrepo Pavese Pinot Grigio DOC 2021

Vitivinicola Vanzini Sas, Oltrepo Pavese Pinot Grigio DOC 2021

In the glass, vibrant straw yellow

On the nose, Intense apple and pear 

On mouth, well-structured, the citrus continues with vibrant pear so slowly fades

Would pair well with garden salad or white fish sharp cheese

CA Di Frara, Oltrepo Pavese Pinot Grigio DOC 2021

CA Di Frara, Oltrepo Pavese Pinot Grigio DOC 2021

CA Di Frara, Oltrepo Pavese Pinot Grigio DOC 2021

In the glass, Pale, almost translucent yellow.

On the nose, a big, beautiful waft of floral.

On mouth, medium boldly, cream, chalk  and minerality.

Would pair well pasta and white pizza

CA Montebello, Oltrepo Pavese DOC Pinot Nero Vinificato in Bianco 2021

CA Montebello, Oltrepo Pavese DOC Pinot Nero Vinificato in Bianco 2021

CA Montebello, Oltrepo Pavese DOC Pinot Nero Vinificato in Bianco 2021

In the glass, straw yellow

On the nose, fruit and floral that builds to fresh baked bread.

On mouth, delicate with a elegant body, light minerality and floral

Would pair well light garden salad and white fish

Giovannella Fugazza, Bonarda Dell’Oltrepo Pavese DOC Somossa 2021

Giovannella Fugazza, Bonarda Dell’Oltrepo Pavese DOC Somossa 2021

Giovannella Fugazza, Bonarda Dell’Oltrepo Pavese DOC Somossa 2021

In the glass, Ruby red with darker edge.

On the nose, a heavenly cloud of complex black and red berry. 

On mouth, a gush of red fruit, raspberry and blackberry.  Rich texture, medium body.

Would pair well with sausage, pepperoni

Losito & Guarini, Bonarda Dell’Oltrepo Pavese DOC, C’era Una Volta 

Losito & Guarini, Bonarda Dell’Oltrepo Pavese DOC, C’era Una Volta

Losito & Guarini, Bonarda Dell’Oltrepo Pavese DOC, C’era Una Volta 

In the glass, ruby red

On the nose, red fruit the opens up spicy with black pepper

On mouth, a rounder mouth feel, with red fruit and softer tannins

Would pair well spicy meats

Dino Torti, Oltrepo Pavese DOC Barbera, Route 66, 2019

Dino Torti, Oltrepo Pavese DOC Barbera, Route 66, 2019

Dino Torti, Oltrepo Pavese DOC Barbera, Route 66, 2019

In the glass, brilliant ruby red

On the nose, red fruit and minerality 

On mouth, big and beautiful, full body with plenty of spicy

Would pair well roasted red meat, red sauces, perfect for a meat lovers pizza

Tenuta Travaglio, Pinot Nero Dell’Oltrepo Pavese DOC, Pernero 2021

Tenuta Travaglio, Pinot Nero Dell’Oltrepo Pavese DOC, Pernero 2021

Tenuta Travaglio, Pinot Nero Dell’Oltrepo Pavese DOC, Pernero 2021

In the glass, brick red.

On the nose, wild strawberry and red berries

On mouth, notes of mushroom, medium mouthfeel, silky tannins.

Would pair well risottos and light red sauce or meat dishes like pizza.

Vitivinicola Vanzini SAS, Sangue di Guida Dell'Oltrepo Pavese DOC 2021

Vitivinicola Vanzini SAS, Sangue di Guida Dell’Oltrepo Pavese DOC 2021

Vitivinicola Vanzini SAS, Sangue di Guida Dell’Oltrepo Pavese DOC 2021

In the glass, deep ruby red.

On the nose, intense ,fresh red fruit and  cherry.

On mouth, sweet and velvety, with a lingering finish

Find the wines at Total Wine and visit Harlem’s Sottacasa for a great dinner.

Thank you to Susannah Gold, and Harlem’s Sottacasa for a great Italian meal

Discover Oltrepo Pavese Wines from Italian Wine Ambassador Susannah Gold

Italian Wine Ambassador Susannah Gold shares Oltrepo Pavese wines at IEEM’s Simply Italian Great Wines Oct 24 in NYC

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.

Oltrepo Pavese is a great example of this.  

Italian Wine Ambassador Susannah Gold shares Oltrepo Pavese wines

Italian Wine Ambassador Susannah Gold shares Oltrepo Pavese wines

So where is Oltrepo Pavese?

 

Oltrepo 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, Emilio-Romagna, Veneto, Trentino – Alto Adige.

 

Wine Expert Susannah Gold

Wine Expert Susannah Gold

Oltrepo Pavese History

 

Oltrepo Pavese has a long wine history. It’s called ‘The Old World’ for a reason.

Viticulture was mentioned in the area as early as 40 BC.  By the 1800s, the area was growing more than 200 grape varieties. Eventually it became the third largest producer of the Pinot Nero grape, just behind France’s  Burgundy and Champagne.

Italian Wine Ambassador Susannah Gold shares Oltrepo Pavese wines

Italian Wine Ambassador Susannah Gold shares Oltrepo Pavese wines

Oltrepo Pavese Grapes

 

There are four main grape varieties in Oltrepo Pavese and they are: Pinot Noir, Croatina, Barbera, Riesling. In addition, other popular options are: Pinot Grigio and Moscato.  

Sparkling Wine in Oltrepo Pavese

Do they do sparkling?  They do.  

Their 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 Pinot Nero (Noir) is dominant in all wines made under this title, including either white or rosé.

The metodo classico is Italy’s version of the methode traditionelle, proudly used (and protected) by the winemakers of France’s Champagne.

Oltrepò Metodo Classico DOCG has a minimum of 70% Pinot Noir
Oltrepò Metodo Classico Cruasé has a minimum of 75% Pinot Noir

Let’s Get to Tasting

 

Italian Wine Ambassador Susannah Gold shares Oltrepo Pavese wines at IEEM’s Simply Italian Great Wines Oct 24 in NYC

Italian Wine Ambassador Susannah Gold shares Oltrepo Pavese wines at IEEM’s Simply Italian Great Wines Oct 24 in NYC

Testarossa Oltrepo Pavese DOCG Metodo Classico Pinot Nero 2016 La Versa

In the glass, a brilliant straw yellow. White and creamy mousse, with continuous perlage. The nose has crusty bread with a citrus finish. The mouth has a soft feel, fresh and lively, with a lingering red fruit aftertaste. Would pair well with white fish, salmon, mussels.

Oltrepo Pavese Pinot Grigio DOC 2021 – Vanzini

In the glass, copper tones.  On the nose, floral notes of apple, pear. Soft, elegant mouthfeel, with hints of toast and cream. Would pair well with fish and creamy cheeses.

Sommossa Bonarda dell ‘ Oltrepo Pavese DOC 2021 – Castello De Luzzano

In the glass, Ruby red with purple tinges. On the nose, notes of blackberry and black currant. The mouth is dry and tannic with persistent black currant.

Tiamat, Pino Nero dell’Oltrepo Pavese DOC 2020 –  Cordero San Giorgio

In the glass, luminous ruby red color. Red fruit aromas on the nose.  Red fruit with a hint of spice on the mouth, soft mouthfeel.  Would pair well with chicken and turkey.

Pernice Pinot Nero dell’Oltrepo Pavese DCO 2018 – Conte Vistarino

In the glass, ruby red with garnet specks.  The nose has complex violet notes with roasted coffee and cocoa.  The mouth is big and elegant.  A full body of red fruit with a spicy finish.  Could be deliciously paired with gamey and roasted meats, rabbit, mushrooms  .

Noir, Pinot Nero, dell’Oltrepo Pavese DOC 2018 – Mazzolino

In the glass, deep bright ruby red with a garnet edge. On the nose, raspberry, and a subtle blend of earth and white pepper.  The mouth gets roasted red berries and earthy accents.  But the wine keeps opening up!  Sweeter red cherry and silky richness that lingers. Could pair well with grilled salmon in a wine sauce

Italian Wine Ambassador Susannah Gold shares Oltrepo Pavese wines at IEEM’s Simply Italian Great Wines Oct 24 in NYC

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