Thank you Oltrepò Pavese for our vine-filled adventures

Our Oltrepò Pavese wine country travels were packed with vine-filled activities. After our last winery visit each day, off we went to meet up with other local producers over dinner. The dinners (Agritourismo La Colombina, and Il Feudo Nico) were hosted for us as guests of the Consorzio Tutela Vini Oltrepò Pavese, Pavia Province during our #WMC22 post-conference trip. We had come to discover Oltrepò Pavese's wines therefore meeting with as many wine producers as possible offered maximum insights into this region. Dinner was a great way to be introduced Oltrepò Pavese wines that we would have missed otherwise. Hopefully, this post not only captures the highlights from these two diners but also shows appreciation. Thank you all!!

Dinner at Agritourismo La Colombina - I Doria Di Montalto 

After our Torti Wines visit on that first day off we into the night. Agritourismo La Colombina was our dinner hosts that evening. 

Oltrepò Pavese Nights © Spaswinefood

On the first evening we ate at Agritourismo La Colombina - I Doria Di Montalto. Their Agritourismo has 75 hectares of vineyards from which they produce Doria wines: Riesling, Barbera, Croatina, Nebbiolo and Pinot Nero. In addition, they produce wines from Croatina, Rara and Vespolina, which are grapes of ancient cultivation. While tradition is important to the Doria Family, they also use the most modern technologies, to create quality wines. Upon arrival our host welcomed us with I Doria sparkling riesling wines.

Agritourismo La Colombina - I Doria Di Montalto © Spaswinefood 

1. I Doria Di Montalto, Riesling Brut Metodo Classico

I Doria Di Montalto, Riesling Brut © Spaswinefood

2. I Doria Di Montalto, Milleottocento Metodo Classico

I Doria Di Montalto, Milleottocento Metodo Classico © Spaswinefood

These pre-dinner I Doria Di Montalto Metodo Classico Riesling wines were a fabulous introduction to Oltrepò Pavese Riesling wines.

Table Ready, Agritourismo La Colombina © Spaswinefood

One of the wines first served for dinner was a La Travaglina Martinburgo Metodo Classico Brut.

Tasting La Travaglina Martinburgo © Spaswinefood

An appertizer plate was served to go along with the La Travaglina Martinburgo Metodo Classico Brut.

Appertizer, Agritourismo La Colombina © Spaswinefood

This was followed by the next two wines:

Berté & Cordini Cuvée Nero D'Oro Metodo Classico

Berté & Cordini, Cuvée Nero D'Oro Metodo Classico © Spaswinefood

Vigna Del Felice, Riesling Renano IGT 2020

Vigna Del Felice, Riesling Renano IGT 2020 © Spaswinefood

The first course was a mushroom pasta.

First Plate: Pasta, Agritourismo La Colombina © Spaswinefood

This plate was accompanied by riesling wine.

I Doria Di Montalto, Roncobianco Reserva

I Doria Di Montalto, Roncobianco Reserva © Spaswinefood

This I Doria Di Montalto Riesling added to my overall appreciation of I Doria Di Montalto Riesling wines.

Soon the second plates arrived at the table.

Second Plate, Agritourismo La Colombina © Spaswinefood

Second Plate (Vegetarian), Agritourismo La Colombina © Spaswinefood

Soon the red wines arrived.

La Travaglina Casaia Pinot Nero © Spaswinefood

Berté & Cordini, Nüval Pinot Nero dell'Oltrepò Pavese 2015

Berté & Cordini, Nüval Pinot Nero dell'Oltrepò Pavese 2015 © Spaswinefood

Oltrepò Pavese Cruase Metodo Classico DOCG wines also served during dinner.

La Travaglina, Julillae Cruase Metodo Classico Brut DOCG

La Travaglina Julillae Cruase Metodo Classico Brut DOCG © Spaswinefood

Berté & Cordini, Cruase Pinot Nero Rosé Metodo Classico Brut Nature  DOCG

Berté & Cordini, Cruase Pinot Nero Rosé Metodo Classico Brut Nature  DOCG © Spaswinefood

Cruase Pinot Nero Rosé Metodo Classico Brut Nature in the Glass © Spaswinefood

These Oltrepò Pavese Cruase Metodo Classico DOCG were outstanding! 

Of course there was dessert and coffee, and a sweet wine that I missed tasting.

Oltrepò Pavese Vine-filled Days, Agritourismo La Colombina © Spaswinefood

Dinner was a great way to meet producers whose wineries we could not visit.

Thanks Oltrepò Pavese Wine Producers © Spaswinefood

The wines served over dinner amid conversations added to my further appreciation of Oltrepò Pavese . 

Diner at Il Feudo Nico

Next day, after a fantastic wine tasting at Conte Vistarino we boarded the van and headed to dinner at Il Feudo Nico. 

Table Ready, Il Feudo Nico © Spaswinefood

Table Ready, Il Feudo Nico © Spaswinefood

One of the first wines poured that evening was Il Feudo Nico wine.

Il Feudo Nico, Maira Antonietta Method Classico Brut

Il Feudo Nico, Maira Antonietta Method Classico Brut © Spaswinefood

This wine is part of Il Feudo Nico's Maria Antonietta Wine Collection.

Next wine was Bruno Verdi.

Bruno Verdi, Riesling 2021

Bruno Verdi, Riesling  2021 © Spaswinefood

Following the wines there was an appetizer served.

Appetizer Plate, Il Feudo Nico © Spaswinefood

Soon the first plate arrived.

First Plate-Pasta, Il Feudo Nico © Spaswinefood

As the second plate arrived we were served red wines (Oltrepò Pavese Rosso Riserva DOC). 

Bruno Verdi, Cavariola Oltrepò Pavese Rosso Riserva DOC 2018 © Spaswinefood

Wine Moments with Second Plate, Il Feudo Nico © Spaswinefood

Of course there was always vegetarian options.

Second Plate (Vegetarian) Il Feudo Nico © Spaswinefood

Our evening dinner included more Oltrepò Pavese (Rosso) red wines. These were red wines that we never encountered during our two-day visit. They were Bonarda, Barbera, and another Oltrepò Pavese red wine (Rosso). 

Oltrepò Pavese Bonarda wine is made from the Coatina grapes (85-100%), with other grape varieties being Barbera, Uva Rara, and Ughetta (to a maximum of 15%). It is produced as a Bonarda Dell’ Oltrepò Pavese DOC.

The following are two Bonarda Dell’ Oltrepò Pavese DOC wines we tasted during dinner:

Bonarda Vino Firma, Dell’ Oltrepò Pavese DOC

Bonarda Vino Firma, Dell’ Oltrepò Pavese DOC © Spaswinefood

Bonarda dell’Oltrepò Pavese “Vigna del Povrömme” DOC 

Bonarda dell’Oltrepò Pavese “Vigna del Povrömme” DOC  © Spaswinefood

Oltrepò Pavese Barbera wine is made from Barbera grapes (85-100%) and other varietals to a maximum of 15%.  It is produced as a Oltrepò Pavese Barbera DOC. Now an example of one of these Barbera wines.

Tenuta Travaglino, Barbera Campo Dei Ciliegi Oltrepò Pavese DOC 2018

Tenuta Travaglino, Barbera Campo Dei Ciliegi Oltrepò Pavese DOC 2018 © Spaswinefood

Oltrepò Pavese red wines (Rosso) 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

Tenuta Travaglino, Mercantonio Oltrepò Pavese Rosso Riserva DOC 2019

Tenuta Travaglino, Mercantonio Oltrepò Pavese Rosso Riserva DOC 2019 © Spaswinefood

We appreciated tasting and learning about all of the above wines. It also great to have the opportunity to meet more wine producers. Amongst our winery producers that evening was Cristina Cerri Comi from Tenuta Travaglino. Ms Comi is fifth generation of the Comi family to manage the family winery.

Thank you Tenuta Travaglino © Spaswinefood

Of course there was dessert to end the evening.

Ending on a Sweet Note, Il Feudo Nico © Spaswinefood

Thanks Oltrepò Pavese for those wonderful wine conversations. We left the Oltrepò Pavese wine region with stunning visual images etched into our wine travel memories.

Oltrepò Pavese to the Alps, Castello di Stefanago © Spaswinefood

Towns of Oltrepò Pavese © Spaswinefood

Thank you Oltrepò Pavese for our vine-filled days with wine producers who treated us so well during our wine media trip

. Also, special thanks to our dinner hosts (

Agritourismo La Colombina, and Il Feudo Nico)

. It was an early October day when

 we crossed the Po River, and arrived this very special place. As guests of the Consorzio Tutela Vini Oltrepò Pavese, Pavia Province we had come to discover this region's wines. After completing the winery visits, and dining with the producers we can easily say 

Oltrepò Pavese is one of Italy's best kept secrets. We were impressed by the charm of Oltrepò Pavese towns, its wineries, and its wines. We so look forward to sharing more on future 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

Thank You Il Feudo © Spaswinefood

Thank You Agritourismo La Colombina - I Doria Di Montalto © Spaswinefood

Thanks 

Oltrepò Pavese 

for Our Post-Conference #WMC22 Visit © Spaswinefood

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