White Oltrepò Pavese (Italy)

Oltrepò Pavese is a wine district in Lombardia (Italy).

The white wine grapes cultivated here are: Riesling, Malvasia, Cortese, Sauvignon Blanc, Moscato and Chardonnay.

Oltrepò Pavese Flavors

Oltrepò Pavese white wines are aromatic and flowery. Citrus. Herbs. Apple. Pear. White Flowers. Almonds. Hazelnuts. Honey. Mineral.

Lemon

Lime

Apple

Pear

Peach

Herbs

Gooseberry

Flowers

Honey

Nuts

Almonds

Minerals

Oltrepò Pavese Profile

The typical Oltrepò Pavese White is dry, crisp, and moderately acidic:

SUGAR:	Dry (3 g/l)

BODY:	Light

FRUIT:	Low

ACIDITY:	Medium

ALCOHOL:	12% ABV

	Serving temperature: 8-10°C (46-50°F)

Oltrepò Pavese Food Pairing

Oltrepò Pavese is best known as an Aperitif, or as a starter wine for a delicate first course.

Aperitif

Pasta

Balsamico

Antipasti

Seafood

Chicken

Pork

Ham

Excellent Pairings

Lombardian Cuisine. Riso Carnaroli Risotto.
Risotto alla Milanese. Tortelli di Zucca (Pumpkin Ravioli).
Salads. Antipasti. Fish.
Light Cheese.
Lightly Smoked Cheese.

Italian Specialities

Fried Chicken in Lemon Sauce.

The Ideal Glass for Oltrepò Pavese

The Sauvignon Blanc glass is smaller than a Chardonnay glass.

It has a more narrow bowl to concentrate the crisp and citrusy aromas characteristic of zesty and fruity white wines.

Oltrepò Pavese Cheese Pairing

Oltrepò Pavese is known for its crisp and fruity profile. It pairs well with a variety of cheeses.

Opt for cheeses with moderate saltiness and creaminess to balance the wine's acidity. You can also add accompaniments like fresh fruits (grapes, apples, pears), nuts (almonds, walnuts), and a light drizzle of honey to enhance the pairing.

Feta

Mozzarella

Ricotta

Chèvre

Fontina

Brie

Camembert

Primo Sale

Serra Estrela

Asiago

Taleggio

Robiola

Fresh and Mild Cheeses

Mozzarella: Its delicate flavor pairs well with the wine's lightness.

Ricotta: Especially good if served with a drizzle of honey or fresh fruits.

Goat Cheese (Chèvre): The tanginess complements the subtle fruit notes in Oltrepò Pavese.

Semi-Soft Cheeses

Fontina: Its nutty, buttery qualities make a good match.

Brie: The creamy texture and mild flavor work beautifully with Oltrepò Pavese.

Camembert: Similar to Brie but with slightly more earthiness.

Hard Cheeses

Asiago: Lightly aged Asiago adds a complementary tang to the wine.

Manchego: A classic Spanish pairing, especially younger Manchego, which is less intense.

Gruyère: Mildly nutty and sweet, enhancing the wine's subtlety.

Blue Cheeses (for contrast)

Robiola: Its mild creaminess contrasts nicely without overpowering the wine.

If You Like Oltrepò Pavese

About Oltrepò Pavese

Oltrepò Pavese is a wine district in the Province of Pavia squeezed in between 4 important wine regions such Piemonte, Liguria, Emilia-Romagna and Lombardia.

The river Po, the longest in Italy, is a natural border and the name Oltrepò means "on the other side of the river Po".

Located on the hills at the feet of the Ligurian Appennines, vineyards here produce red, white, rosé and sparkling wines in varying sweetness levels and they account for half of the wine production in the region of Lombardy.

Oltrepò Pavese is also called "Little Tuscany" because it reminds of beautiful Tuscany. Located a few miles from Milan, we recommend to explore it by car following Strada del Vino e dei Sapori dell’Oltrepò Pavese (about 60 km).

Oltrepò Pavese DOCG

Oltrepò Pavese has 4 DOCG wines:

Classic Method
Classic Method Rosè (85% Pinot Nero)
Classic Method Pinot Nero
Classic Method Pinot Noir Rosè

All DOCG wines are sparkling, and use the same method as French Champagne.

Grapes allowed are Pinot Nero (minimum 70%), Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, and Pinot Bianco.

They come in all styles: Brut Nature (Zero Dosage), Extra Brut, Brut, Extra Dry, Sec and Demi Sec.

They must spend 15 months on the lees. The Vintage ones must age 24 months before bottling.

"Cruasé" is a local name combining Cru and Rosé.

Oltrepò Pavese DOC

Oltrepò Pavese has 7 DOC:

These wines are mainly consumed locally and they are known for massive production.

Bonarda. Red wine made with Croatina grapes. Similar to Dolcetto. Fruity and tannic.
Buttafuoco. Buttafuoco is a wine district and the name means "throws fire". The red wines are blends and they can be still or semi sparkling.
Casteggio. It is a big co-op with 350 producers.
Oltrepò Pavese. Reds, Whites and Sparkling Wines.
Pinot Grigio. Min. 85% Pinot Grigio grapes. Still and sparkling wines.
Pinot Nero. Mostly vinified in white, sparkling wines.
Sangue di Giuda. The name means "Juda´s blood". It´s a lightly sparkling, semisweet red wine.

Wine Region Lombardia

Photo by SlimMars 13

Black Grapes

White Grapes

17% Croatina
15% Pinot Nero
12% Barbera

13% Chardonnay

Red Wines	White Wines
Bonarda Moscato di Scanzo Oltrepò Pavese Sforzato di Valtellina Valtellina Valtellina Superiore	Lugana Oltrepò Pavese Oltrepò Pavese Pinot Grigio Turbiana