From Medieval Origins to the Winemaking Tradition of Oltrepò Pavese
For centuries, the passion for winemaking has been deeply rooted in this region, passed down through generations, and playing a pivotal role in shaping Italy's sparkling wine production. Its origins date back to antiquity: as early as 40 BCE, Pliny and Strabo described the area as one known for "excellent wine, hospitable people, and large wooden casks." Viticulture flourished under the Romans, who conquered the territory after the Battle of Clastidium in 222 BCE. Roads and trade routes aided its expansion, and works such as the chronicles of Pliny the Elder attest to its significance. Following the Roman era and invasions by barbarian tribes, Oltrepò witnessed a succession of rulers during the Middle Ages, including noble families like the Malaspina and Sforza, whose castles and churches still define the region today. By the 18th century, viticulture became a central activity in Oltrepò, as evidenced by historical records. A new chapter began in the 19th century with the introduction of Pinot Noir—this noble grape variety, ideal for crafting sparkling wines using the Metodo Classico, laid the foundation for Italian sparkling wine production. Today, Oltrepò Pavese is still regarded as an important wine region, where Pinot Noir remains at its heart. Since 1987, the Zonin family's winery has stood as a symbol of the elegance and character of this centuries-old terroir.
The Classic Method: A Tradition Alive in the Winery's Wines
At the heart of production lies the "Metodo Classico," a winemaking technique with a long-established history in Oltrepò Pavese, the cradle of Italian sparkling wine production. Known also as the Champenoise method, this process involves a secondary fermentation in the bottle—a slow and precise method that imparts unparalleled complexity, a fine and persistent effervescence, and a refined mousse to the sparkling wines. The journey begins with the "presa di spuma," the secondary fermentation, where the base wine is enriched with sugar and meticulously selected yeasts. During the prolonged aging on the lees, which can last up to five years, the wine develops its hallmark complexity, elegance, and freshness—the quintessential characteristics of sparkling wines from this region. Following this phase is the "remuage," a meticulous process where bottles are gently rotated to collect the yeast sediments in the neck. These sediments are then removed during the "dégorgement," and the wine emerges ready to be savoured, bursting with freshness and vitality that reflect the terroir—enhanced by the nuances gained from extended aging.
Pinot Noir: The Soul of Oltrenero
Pinot Noir is the signature grape variety of Oltrenero, embodying the very essence of its terroir. Originally hailing from Burgundy, this noble grape thrives in the climate and soils of Oltrepò Pavese, where it fully expresses its elegance and finesse. The mineral-rich moraine hills provide the perfect foundation for cultivating this demanding and delicate variety. Its remarkable ability to convey the characteristics of the land where it grows makes Pinot Noir particularly suited for creating high-quality sparkling wines. Slowly ripening under the favourable microclimate, the grapes impart freshness, minerality, and structure to the wines, ideal for extended bottle aging—especially through the Metodo Classico. This grape variety seamlessly connects the history of the terroir with the pursuit of oenological perfection.
Pinot Noir: The Treasured Gem of Oltrepò
For Oltrenero, Pinot Noir is not merely a grape variety but a tradition passed down through the generations. For over a century, this noble wine has served as the foundation for the winery's sparkling wines, carrying a legacy of excellence and continuous refinement. Every bottle of Oltrenero pays homage to the extraordinary ability of Pinot Noir to perfectly capture the unique qualities of Oltrepò Pavese. It creates sparkling wines that tell the story and embody the soul of an exceptional terroir.
Oltrenero
Località Il Bosco
27049 Zenevredo (PV)
Italia
+39 0385 245326