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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Church, Castillo Di Luzzano © 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.
Giovannella's art works are carefully display throughout the tasting room.
Castillo Di Luzzano Wine Display © Spaswinefood
The castle has a small museum dedicated to historical artifacts found on the property.
We took a peek into the wine cellar during our castle tour.
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.
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.
Yes, there was delicious pasta too.
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
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
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