When we visited Oltrepò Pavese's Frecciarossa Winery I fell under the spell of this amazing place and its wines. I loved this place! Not only was it a beautiful setting with good wines but, our host Valeria also shared with us the winery's story, and introduced us to her family's winery. Her great grandfather, Mario Odero, originally from Genoa, founded the winery shortly after WW 1. He returned to Italy from the UK where he had spent most of his adult life working the coal trade between the UK and Italy. Upon his return to Italy he set his sights on buying property in the countryside. Oltrepò Pavese proved be a rather good decision because he fell in love with its rolling hills and vineyards. Valeria's grandfather, and her mother would continue to develop Frecciarossa over the years. These days Valeria brings her passion to managing Frecciarossa, which has been making wine since 1919.
Welcome to Frecciarossa Winery
Frecciarossa is a stunning property, surrounded by rolling hills and vineyards. It was especially beautiful in October when we visited. I must admit as a guest of the Consorzio Tutela Vini Oltrepò Pavese, Pavia Province this winery hit high notes for me.
Upon arrival in the courtyard we were greeted by our host who welcomed us, and then she took us on a walking tour of the Frecciarossa Wine Estate.
Our walk began by hearing the history of the buildings in the courtyard. From the courtyard we headed towards the vineyards.
53 of their 78 acres are used for grape growing. Along the way we heard about their biodiversity efforts. They plant wheat, alfalfa, and grow hazel nut trees, fruit trees and keep a vegetable garden. Goats help keep the woods clean, bees help with the pollination, and cows provide some of the raw material to fertilize the vines.
Wherever I looked I was surrounded by wine country at its best. I captured a few photos while taking in the views.
Yes, the vineyard had a few late hanging bunches of grapes.
Along the way we met Valeria's parents who were enjoying that beautiful October day.
Villa Odero is available for special events and weddings. La Casina, Holiday House is also available for visitors who wish to stay on the property.
La Cartina, Frecciarossa © Spaswinefood
A little further along we passed by properties ajoining Frecciarossa.
Wine Making Then and Now
Wine production at Frecciarossa has a long history. Stopping by the wine cellar we learnt a little about today's operations.
Then it was onto the tasting room where we explored some of the rich history of this winery.
Frecciarossa has a fascinating history. Just one example, Alfred Hickcock was an early fan of its wines.
For those interested wine history of Oltrepò Pavese Frecciarossa would be a good source.
Frecciarossa's tasting room was designed by Valeria's sister who is an architect.
Visitors will discover that they grow local grape varieties, such as Croatina, Uva Rara and Barbera, and more recently they have added Pinot Noir and Riesling. While they are now officially an organic winery they have always made wine their own grapes which are harvested by hand. Their philosophy is that it takes high quality grapes to make good wine.
Later for our wine tasting we gathered around a table in the courtyard.
A Frecciarossa Lunch
We gathered around the table in the courtyard was on that early October day was the perfect setting for a wine country lunch.
Frecciarossa © Spaswinefood We had a fabulous visit getting to know some of their wines. The first wine poured was a rosé wine. Pinot Nero (Pinot Noir) is the major grape variety and it is used to make excellent sparkling wines and still red wines. The region is best know for its Oltrepò Pavese Metodo Classico DOCG and DOC wines. The following sparkling rosé wine was the perfect way to begin:
Frecciarossa, Extra Brut Rosé Vino Spumante Metodo Classico Oltrepò Pavese DOC 2019
Extra Brut Rosé Vino Spumante Metodo Classico Oltrepò Pavese DOC 2019 © Spaswinefood
Extra Brut Rosé Vino Spumante Metodo Classico Oltrepò Pavese © Spaswinefood
The next wine shared is
Frecciarossa, Gli Orti Riesling, Oltrepò Pavese DOC 2020
Of course there are the days when you wish for more time to enjoy the beauty of such places.
Oltrepò Pavese red wines (Rossos) are produced from a blend of Croatina (25-65%), Barbera (25-65%) and other varietials (Uva Rara, Ughetta and Pinot Nero) to maximum of 45%. These wines are produced as a Oltrepò Pavese Rosso DOC.
Oltrepò Pavese Rosso DOC
Frecciarossa, Rosso Riseva Oltrepò Pavese DOC 2018
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