Conte Vistarino

Contessa Ottavia Giorgi di Vistarino, that sounds really noble and old-fashioned. But as is so often the case in Italy's wine scene, a young dynamic oenologist then appears who competently leads the traditional family winery in the Oltrepò Pavese into the present day. One of the almost thousand "Donne del Vino", which is able to assert itself in the wine world formerly dominated by men.

And it is not just a small family heritage, but one of the most important wineries in Lombardy. Of the 826 hectares of land, over 200 hectares are planted with wine, of which 140 hectares with Pinot Nero (called Pinot Noir), the main variety of the region. Allegedly there was already a Ur-Pinot variety here in Roman times, in the year 1500 it is actually mentioned in a document.

The fact that the Oltrepò with over 3,000 ha is today the largest Pinot Noir cultivation area in Italy is probably due to Conte Carlo Giorgi di Vistarino, who in 1865 successfully planted several hectares of clones imported from Burgundy himself in Rocca de' Giorgi. He was also the first to produce a sparkling wine according to the champagne method and quickly became known and distinguished far beyond the borders. Since then Conte Vistarino has been one of the leading companies in Lombardy.

Not even an hour's drive south of Milan, the Po winds its way past Pavia. Rocks washed ashore by its old riverbeds stratified over the hilly foothills of the Apennines. This resulted in a rather varied soil, with varying layers from hill to hill. Sand, clay, marl, limestone and rocks alternate in the vineyards situated from 250 to 550 m above sea level. This makes it possible to select the best hill for each grape variety. A mild microclimate, interspersed with rivers that bring a steady breeze, is an ideal area for the Pinot Noir.

On one of the hills the historic Palazzo is enthroned, a small castle could be said that was still built by the royal court architect. The charming Orangerie, which is currently used to dry the grapes for the Prädikat wines, will soon also become a tasting room. The 360° panoramic view over the hills of the cultivation area and the surrounding forests is breathtakingly beautiful.

Besides the dominant Pinot Nero, Riesling, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Moscato, Croatina, Uva Rara, Barbera and some Cabernet Sauvignon are also cultivated here. The team of oenologists around boss Ottavia Vistarino uses this to make a range of different wines. First and foremost, of course, the DOCG Oltrepò Pavese Metodo Classico, both pure from Pinot Nero or with a 20% Chardonnay content, the "Cruasé" - from Cru (site) and Rosé - called rosé sparkling wines, a protected collective brand and one of the most important products of the region, are particularly successful. In addition there are red wines from Pinot Nero, 3 of them as single vineyard wines, or from autochthonous grape varieties. Bonarda, Buttafuoco or Sangue di Giuda are not really common names, but they are some to remember. Because the qualities are convincing. The range is complemented by exciting white wines, such as the "Rïes", a fruity but also mineral Rhine Riesling or the white-pressed Pinot Nero "Saint Valier", which prove to be excellent food companions.

In 1970 the DOC Oltrepò Pavese was created and in 2007 the DOCG Oltrepò Pavese Metodo Classico and the two DOC Oltrepò Pavese Pinot Nero and DOC Bonarda dell'Oltrepó Pavese for red wines.

Ottavia Giorgi di Vistarino shows the entire industry what independent, award-winning wines can be produced here and, with a breath of fresh air, ensures that the exemplary effect of its ancestors remains alive. You can look forward to new ideas and projects. SUPERIORE.DE