Let's shout it from the mountain top: Castello di Stefanago come for the views, stay for the wines

A beautiful way to begin our second day in Oltrepò Pavese wine country was a visit to Castello di Stefanago. Here we climbed to the castle's rooftop to take in the stunning views. Castello di Stefanago is where we discovered that both the views and the wines are fantastic! 

Castello di Stefanago: Where the Views and Wines are Tops © Spaswinefood

I still remember that morning, as we traveled through the mountainous countryside, and arrived at the base of a driveway leading to a mountain top. The driver parked the bus and we headed up the driveway.

Off to Castello di Stefanago © Spaswienfood

It was a slow walk uphill but eventually we neared the top.

Further Along, Off to Castello di Stefanago © Spaswinefood

As we neared the top views across the valley, all the way to the Alps, came into view. It was well worth walking up the driveway just to see those views. Besides seeing all the way to the snow capped Alps is impressive.

Taking in the Views, Castello di Stefanago © Spaswinefood

Eventually, we arrived at the entrance to the courtyard at Castello di Stefanago. Castello di Stefanago, owned by Baruffaldi family, has been making wine for five generations.

Welcome to Castello di Stefanago © Spaswinefood

Arriving at Castello di Stefanago © Spaswinefood

I remember our host giving us an overview of Oltrepò Pavese, which is one of the larger Lombardy wine regions. While the area is known for its sparkling Oltrepò Pavese Metodo Classico DOCG, its other wines are not to be missed. During our #WMC22 visit to Oltrepò Pavese I so delighted in being introduced to the wines. Later we would discover the artisanal wines of Castello di Stefanago. 

Welcome to Oltrepò Pavese Wine Country © Spaswinefood

For sure the wine region of Oltrepò Pavese, Pavia Province 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, is ideal for grape cultivation. Castello di Stefanago has ideal location for taking in views of their vineyards and the surrounding countryside.

Before heading up to the castle's rooftop I paused to take in the views before continuing.

Views from Castello di Stefanago © Spaswinefood

YES,  even after arriving at the castle, we would go to the rooftop to take in those 360 degree views at the very top.

Entrance to Castello di Stefanago © Spaswinefood

Given it was October the vines had already started their color change.

Through the Door, Castello di Stefanago © Spaswinefood

It was through the door into the courtyard. Still we would continue to climb to the top.

Onto the Rooftop, Castello di Stefanago © Spaswinefood

It was up another flight of stairs, and then soon we were climbing up a small staircase to the top. Eventually we reached the rooftop.

Rooftop Views at Castello di Stefanago: Come for the Views

Vineyards and More, Castello di Stefanago © Spaswinefood

It was well worth the time to climb the stairs to take in those awesome views. In the above photo the vineyards (on the left). There are 20 hectares where they cultivate grape varieties that are common to this region, such as Pinot Noir, Croatina, Riesling Renano, Muller Thurgau and Chardonnay. Their vineyards have been organically farming since 1998. The winery uses minimum intervention in the vineyard, and the grapes are handpicked. 

Taking in the Views, Castello di Stefanago © Spaswinefood

Once we finally reached the rooftop we so enjoyed the views.

Enjoying the Views, Castello di Stefanago © Spaswinefood

This is the perfect location to get an overview of the Oltrepò Pavese landscape. Vineyards, mountains, farms, and more, with views all the way to the plains in the north, and snow capped Alps. 

Loving the Views, Castello di Stefanago © Spaswinefood

View from Castello di Stefanago © Spaswinefood

Farmland near Castello di Stefanago © Spaswinefood

Gathering on the rooftop also turned into a photo op.

Photo Time, Castello di Stefanago © Spaswinefood

Soon it was time to head back down.

Castello di Stefanago: Stay for the Wines

The good news is that after all that climbing it was followed by an excellent wine tasting. The winery takes gentle and sensitive approach to winemaking. Fermentation is all spontaneous, using only indigenous yeasts in stainless steel containers with no temperature control, and the use of sulphites is kept to a minimum. Overall there is minimum intervention in the winemaking process.

Castello di Stefanago Wines © Spaswinefood

We were indeed ready for a wine tasting.

Wine Tasting Castello di Stefanago © Spaswinefood

Wine Tasting Castello di Stefanago

We began with their sparkling wines. Castello di Stefanago's  uses an innovative approach to making their sparkling wines, known as Ancestrale. The method is halfway between a traditional Classic Method and re-fermentation in the bottle. The second fermentation takes place spontaneously in the bottle due to the natural presence of yeasts and residual sugars, and after dégorgement it is released to the market.

Here are some of the wines I tasted. 

1. Castello di Stefanago, Spumante Metodo Classico Brut Blanc de Noirs Ancestrale 24

Metodo Classico Brut Blanc de Noirs Ancestrale 24 © Spaswinefood

Castello di Stefanago, Blanc de Noirs Ancestrale 24  © Spaswinefood

2. Castello di Stefanago, Spumante Metodo Classico Rose Ancestrale 36 

Metodo Classico Rose Ancestrale 36 © Spaswinefood

Castello di Stefanago, Rose Ancestrale 36 © Spaswinefood

3. Castello di Stefanago, Cuvée

Castello di Stefanago, Cuvée © Spaswinefood

Castello di Stefanago, Cuvée in the Glass © Spaswinefood

4. Castello di Stefanago, Stuvenagh Amico Frizz

Castello di Stefanago, Stuvenagh Amico Frizz © Spaswinefood

Castello di Stefanago, Stuvenagh Amico Frizz in the Glass © Spaswinefood

5. Castello di Stefanago, Campo Piano 

Castello di Stefanago, Campo Piano © Spaswinefood

Castello di Stefanago, Campo Piano © Spaswinefood

6. Castello di Stefanago, Macerato

Castello di Stefanago, Macerato © Spaswinefood

Castello di Stefanago, Macerato in the Glass © Spaswinefood

Their sparkling wines, white and rosé wines were so delicious. We ended the wine tasting with a few reds.

7. Castello di Stefanago, Sabarbatello

Castello di Stefanago, Sabarbatello © Spaswinefood

Castello di Stefanago, Sabarbatello © Spaswinefood

Amongst the Castello di Stefanago wines was an Oltrepò Pavese Pinot Nero DOC.

8. Castello di Stefanago, Oltrepò Pavese Pinot Nero DOC

Castello di Stefanago, Pinot Nero © Spaswinefood

Castello di Stefanago © Spaswinefood

The wine tasting was an awesome lineup of wines. The overall focus of Castello di Stefanago wines is on drinkability, as well achieving a good QPR (Quality-to-Price-Ratio). They not only want to produce wines for a variety of different palates but also for their wines to always be enjoyable and rich in fruity flavors. Based on the wines I tasted they are doing just that. Castello di Stefanago is an independent wine producer, and member of Federazione Italiana Vignaioli Indipendenti.

Castello di Stefanago, Vignaioli Indipendenti © Spaswinefood

What a morning it was to meet up with this wonderful Castello di Stefanago team.

Thanks Castello di Stefanago © Spaswinefood 

What a beautiful beginning to our second day in Oltrepò Pavese. Here we climbed to the top of the castle to take in the stunning views. It was followed by an excellent wine tasting. Let's shout it from the mountain top Oltrepò Pavese's  Castello di Stefanago is one of Italy's best producers of artisanal wines. Travelers will be impressed by the charm of this Oltrepò Pavese winery. 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

Italy 

© Spaswinefood

Castello di Stefanago, Oltrepò Pavese © Spaswinefood