Chandelier Moments: No one spoils you quite like Torti Wines does

It was day's end when we arrived at the Torti family winery, Casaleggio. Torti winery founded in 1910 has a long tradition of producing Oltrepo Pavese wines. Dino Torti and his daughters continues the family tradition of winemaking, which was established by Dino's father and grandfather. Little did we know, we were about to discover that no one spoils you quite like Torti Wines does. I will try to capture some of those chandelier moments from our visit.

Those Chandelier Moments, Torti Winery © Spaswinefood

Torti Wines was a special stop on our two-day itinerary, as guests of the Consorzio Tutela Vini Oltrepò Pavese. Right from when we crossed the Po River into Pavia Province, Oltrepò Pavese, and headed south towards the mountains, I knew that we had come to a very special place. While north of the Po River is characterized by plains, south of the river, the hills and mountains, make it ideal for grape cultivation. We would discover some of those amazing wines during our Torti Wines visit.

Welcome to Torti Wines

Torti Wines produces DOC and DOCG wines and sparkling wines. Torti Wines is unique in that it has some special wine stories to share, and during our visit we heard a few of those stories. 

Home to Elegant Wines © Spaswinefood

Immediately upon entering the winery I noticed their wine displays.

Torti Wine Display © Spaswinefood

Seeing the wine displays I was ready to learn more.

Torti Wine Display © Spaswinefood

Soon we were gathered around a table being introduced to the wines.

Welcome to Torti Wines and Their Stories © Spaswinefood

Hello Kitty Story

The first wine up for discussion was Hello Kitty. Undoubtedly, you may have heard of the Hello Kitty brand. Well, Torti Wines has been producing since 2007 Hello Kitty wines by Sanrio License. 

Hello Kitty © Spaswinefood

Hello Kitty, Vino Spumante Extra Dry Anniversary © Spaswinefood

Route 66 Wine Story

Route 66 Signature Collection © Spaswinefood

We were introduced to Route 66 Signature Collection, a partnership between Torti Wines and Tony Moore, a UK singer/song writer, to produce this wine.

Dino Torti, Route 66 Pinot Nero Della’ Oltrepò Pavese DOC 2018 © Spaswinefood

Route 66, Pinot Nero Della’ Oltrepò Pavese DOC 2018 © Spaswinefood

Oltrepo Pavese DOC & IGP Wines

By now I was in anticipation of more Torti wine stories. Amongst those there were a few more Dino Torti wines to try.

Dino Torti, Pinot Nero Bianco, Oltrepo Pavese DOC 2021© Spaswinefood

Dino Torti, Pinot Nero Bianco, Oltrepo Pavese DOC 2021 © Spaswinefood

Dino Torti, Pinot Nero IGP 2014

Dino Torti, Pinot Nero IGP 2014 © Spaswinefood

Dino Torti, Pinot Nero IGP 2014 © Spaswinefood

 After the wine tasting we returned to the tasting room display before heading downstairs to the wine cellar.

Torti Wines, Hello Kitty © Spaswinefood

Yes, the Hello Kitty wines were on display.

 Hello Kitty © Spaswinefood

Soon, we were off to the wine cellar. Cellar time was special time with Dino Torti and his daughter.

Wine Cellar  © Spaswinefood

During the cellar visit we sampled some Pinot Nero direct from the barrel.

Barrel Sampling, Torti Wines © Spaswinefood

Wine Cellar  © Spaswinefood

Torti Wine Cellar © Spaswinefood

After getting an intro to cellar operations it was back upstairs where we would taste an amazing wine.

Dino Torti, Gran Carisma Pinot Nero Metodo Classico DOCG

Dino Torti, Gran Carisma Pinot Nero Metodo Classico DOCG © Spaswinefood

We concluded our visit to this family winery with a special bottle of sparking wine. Yes, a Gran Carisma DOCG Pinot Nero Metodo Classico Dino Torti. 

Dino and Daughter, Torti Winery © Spaswinefood

Dino Torti, Gran Carisma Pinot Nero Metodo Classico DOCG © Spaswinefood

This wine has a story too. The black ribbon on the bottle was Dino's way of dressing up this elegant bottle of wine.

Dino Torti, Gran Carisma Pinot Nero Metodo Classico DOCG

It was a perfect wine tasting to end out visit. 

  A Special Pinot Nero in the Glass © Spaswinefood

The above wine is an excellent example of the Oltrepò Pavese Metodo Classico DOCG sparkling wines. The Oltrepò Pavese, as one of the larger regions of Lombardy, is known not only for its excellent sparkling Oltrepò Pavese Metodo Classico DOCG wines, but also for its other wines. During our two-day visit we were introduced to many excellent wines. Torti Wines, Casaleggio was one of those.

Torti Vineyard, Casaleggio © Spaswinefood

Pavia Province's Oltrepò Pavese is home to stunning landscape. Torti Vineyards are a part of that welcoming vineyard landscape.

Chandelier Moments at Torti © Spaswinefood

The Torti family are fabulous hosts. This is a winery that knows how to host visitors. No one spoils you quite like Torti Wines does. Oltrepò Pavese's Torti Wines is a very special Italian wine country find. Hello Kitty, Route 66 and others know this well. During our visit to Torti Wines we were treated to a first class experience, by being hosted by winery owners. Those are special times when you tour the winery with the owners. Before we went off into the night to meet with more producers, we would leave with stunning images and wine stories etched into our wine travel memory.

Torti Wines, Oltrepò Pavese is one of Italy's best wine stories. Oltrepò Pavese's natural beautiful and authenticity makes it unique. Those wine travelers who find it will be impressed by the charm of its towns and wineries. I so look forward to sharing more on our vine-filled explorations in Lombardy's Oltrepò Pavese. I invite you to join me in my wine travels in Italy at Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon, and at Spaswinefood on Twitter and Facebook. 

CHEERS!

Sharon 

October 2022

Oltrepò Pavese, Lombardy 

© Spaswinefood

Oltrepò Pavese, Lombardy © Spaswinefood

A Castello Di Luzzano welcome to Oltrepò Pavese

On a bright day in early October we arrived at Castello Di Luzzano, our first winery stop in Oltrepò Pavese Wine Country. After we crossed the Po River, and drove over a foothill's mountain crest into the valley below, I knew we had come to a very special place. As guests of the Consorzio Tutela Vini Oltrepò Pavese, Pavia Province we had come to discover this region's wines over the next two days. We began our wine journey at the historic Castello Di Luzzano estate. 

Welcome to Castillo Di Luzzano, Oltrepò Pavese © Spaswinefood

Welcome to Oltrepò Pavese, Lombardy © Spaswinefood

The Castello Di Luzzano estate borders on two territories, Lombardy and Emilia Romagna. 70 of its 110 hectares are under vine. The main grape varieties grown are Barbera, Bonarda, Pinot Noir, and Malvasia di Candia Aromatica. In recent years they have added Merlot, Cabernet, Chardonnay and Syrah.

Welcome to Castello Di Luzzano, Oltrepò Pavese 

Castello Di Luzzano was the perfect welcome to Oltrepò Pavese. Pavia Province's Oltrepò Pavese is home to stunning landscape. While north of the Po River is characterized by plains, to the south of the river, the hills and mountains make it ideal for grape cultivation. This large and geographically complex wine region Lombardy is home to some popular and well-known wine styles including Oltrepò Pavese Metodo Classico. The Oltrepò Pavese stands out as one of the larger regions, known not only for its sparkling Oltrepò Pavese Metodo Classico, but for its other wines too. During our Castello Di Luzzano visit we were introduced to Oltrepò Pavese wines.

Oltrepò Pavese Wine Country © Spaswinefood

Given that its wine making history is at least 2000 years old there is a long tradition of wine making in Oltrepò Pavese. Our first introduction to Oltrepò Pavese Pinot wines was at Castello Di Luzzano. Before wine tasting we toured this historic property. The Fugazzo family assumed ownership of the property in 1990's. Giovannella, our host during the visit, runs the estate. 

Welcome to Castillo Di Luzzano © Spaswinefood

Upon arrival at Castello Di Luzzano we first took in the stunning views and posed for photos. The estate includes an historic church, castle and surrounding buildings visible at the hill top of 270 meters elevation, with 360 views. 

Welcome to Oltrepò Pavese, Castillo Di Luzzano © Spaswinefood

The estate's ancient farmers house has been renovated and converted into apartments. At the entrance to the property there is the Dogana Restaurant and Inn, a customs house built in 1747, which was renovated in the 1990's.

Castillo Di Luzzano © Spaswinefood

We toured the church briefly then headed to the castle.

Church, Castillo Di Luzzano © Spaswinefood

Yes, off we went to the castle to taste some wines.

Off to Castillo Di Luzzano © Spaswinefood

Entrance to Castillo Di Luzzano Tasting Room © Spaswinefood

Giovannella not only runs the wine estate but also is a talented artist. We saw some of her art works on display during our visit.

Artistic Creations, Castillo Di Luzzano © Spaswinefood

Painted Wine Boxes, Castillo Di Luzzano © Spaswinefood

Giovannella's art works are carefully display throughout the tasting room.

Castillo Di Luzzano Tasting Room © Spaswinefood

Castillo Di Luzzano Wine Display © Spaswinefood

The castle has a small museum dedicated to historical artifacts found on the property.

Museum, Castillo Di Luzzano © Spaswinefood

Artifact, Castillo Di Luzzano © Spaswinefood

We took a peek into the wine cellar during our castle tour.

Cellar, Castillo Di Luzzano © Spaswinefood

Oltrepò Pavese Pinot Nero (Pinot Noir) 

After a brief tour of the castle we were introduced to Oltrepò Pavese Pinot Noir. Pinot Nero (Pinot Noir) the major grape variety grown in Oltrepò Pavese is used to make excellent sparkling and still red wines. The region is best know for its Oltrepò Pavese Metodo Classico DOCG, with Cruase being its flagship wine. The list includes: Oltrepò Pavese Metodo Classico DOCG, Oltrepò Pavese Metodo Classico Cruase DOCG, and Pinot Nero Della’ Oltrepò Pavese DOC. 

We were first introduced to a Castello Di Luzzano, Magot Pinot Nero (Blanc de Noir), Oltrepò Pavese DOC.

Welcome to Castello Di Luzzano Wines © Spaswinefood

Castello Di Luzzano, Magot Pinot Nero (Blanc de Noir), Oltrepò Pavese DOC

Castello Di Luzzano, Magot Pinot Nero (Blanc de Noir), Oltrepò Pavese DOC © Spaswinefood

Magot means magic; so after tasting this magical bottle of sparkling Pinot Noir we were off to lunch at the Dogana Restaurant and Inn.

Off to Dogana Restaurant and Inn © Spaswinefood

Our first Oltrepò Pavese winery visit included the most delicious lunch. 

Lunch, Dogana Restaurant, Castillo Di Luzzano © Spaswinefood

Lunch, Dogana Restaurant, Castillo Di Luzzano

It is Italy and one most always begins a gathering with meat platters.

Welcome to Castillo Di Luzzano's Dogana Restaurant © Spaswinefood

Soon other appetizers arrived at the table.

Castillo Di Luzzano's Dogana Restaurant © Spaswinefood

Veggie Appetizers, Dogana Restaurant © Spaswinefood

The appetizers keep arriving at our table.

Appetizers, Dogana Restaurant © Spaswinefood

Appetizers includes Cheese of Course, Dogana Restaurant © Spaswinefood

Of course there was cheese, and let's not forget the wines. We began with Castillo Di Luzzano, Sommossa.

Castillo Di Luzzano, Sommossa

Castillo Di Luzzano, Sommossa © Spaswinefood

The Sommossa is a sparkling Bonarda wine.

Castillo Di Luzzano, Sparkling Bonarda © Spaswinefood

Yes, there was delicious pasta too.

Pasta Plate, Castillo Di Luzzano's Dogana Restaurant, © Spaswinefood

Giovannella, our host made sure we got a full introduction to the wines.

Giovannella, Castillo Di Luzzano © Spaswinefood

Castillo Di Luzzano © Spaswinefood

Earlier we were introduced to the sparkling wines and now it was time for the still Pinot Nero wines. Let's take a look at the still wines.

Pinot Nero Della’ Oltrepò Pavese DOC

There were two Pinot Nero still wines served during lunch.

Castello di Luzzano, Pinot Nero Della’ Oltrepò Pavese DOC 2018

Castello di Luzzano, Pinot Nero Della’ Oltrepò Pavese DOC 2018 © Spaswinefood

The last wine was a special Pinot Nero Della’ Oltrepò Pavese DOC 2006 that our host selected from the cellar.

Castello di Luzzano, Pinot Nero Della’ Oltrepò Pavese DOC 2006

Castello di Luzzano, Pinot Nero Della’ Oltrepò Pavese DOC 2006 © Spaswinefood

Giovannella had decanted the 2006 Pinot Nero Della’ Oltrepò Pavese DOC. 

Giovannella, Castillo Di Luzzano © Spaswinefood

There was also a Castello Di Luzzano, Luzzano 270. Their new labels are linked to the terroir, with its "Luzzano 270" line. A selection of fine wines whose grapes come from avineyard at an altitude of: 270 meters. This wine is a Barbera DOC, Luzzano 270, where the number 270 expresses the elevation.

Castello Di Luzzano, Luzzano 270 Barbera DOC

Castillo Di Luzzano, Luzzano 270 Barbera DOC © Spaswinefood

The lunch wines were a perfect introduction to Oltrepò Pavese's wines.

Castello Di Luzzano Wines © Spaswinefood

Yes, the dessert was a great pairing with the Pinot Nero Della’ Oltrepò Pavese DOC 2006.

Dessert at its BEST © Spaswinefood

When Castello Di Luzzano welcomes you to Oltrepò Pavese a high bar is set for what we would encounter over our two-day visit. Throughout our Oltrepò Pavese wine travels we would discover this Italian wine country gem. We left Castello Di Luzzano with stunning visual images etched into our wine travel memories. 

 Views from Castello Di Luzzano, Oltrepò Pavese © Spaswinefood

Castello Di Luzzano estate was our first introduction Oltrepò Pavese wine region, one of Italy's best kept secrets. Oltrepò Pavese's natural beautiful and authenticity is so welcoming to wine travelers who will be impressed by the charm of Oltrepò Pavese wineries and its towns. We so look forward to sharing more on our vine-filled explorations in Lombardy's Oltrepò Pavese. We invite you to join us in our wine travels in Italy at Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon, and at Spaswinefood on Twitter and Facebook. 

CHEERS!

Sharon & John

October 2022

Oltrepò Pavese, Lombardy 

© Spaswinefood

Post-Con #WMC22 Kick-off, Castello Di Luzzano, Oltrepò Pavese © Spaswinefood