Italiano
Oltrepò Pinot Noir
One of the most appreciated grapes in the world, especially if it is from Burgundy, which also produces fine results in Oltrepò Pavese, as long as you don’t compare them to the French versions.
Pinot Noir is considered to be the most aristocratic and difficult varietals to interpret. It is originally from Burgundy where it is used for the region’s greatest and most famous wines. Vosne Romanée, Chambertin, Morey St. Denis and Chambolle Musigny are the absolute tops for quality and are untouchable among the world’s wines.
In Champagne, Pinot Noir is cultivated above all in Montagne de Reims in the towns of Bouzy, Ambonnay and Verzenay. Outside Europe, especially in the United States, it gives the best results in Oregon and the areas of Monterey and Santa Barbara County in central California. It is also widely grown and produces fine wine in the New World, as well as New Zealand.
In Italy, it is used basically to produce two wines, one fermented off the skins as a white wine and the other perfect as a red wine. The first is very popular in the regions of Veneto, Friuli and Lombardy, especially Oltrepò Pavese, and results in a fairly neutral white that is excellent as the base to produce sparkling wine, providing the body, complexity and long lifespan.
Italian Pinot Noir red is a totally different story. Being such a delicate grape, it is subject to climate variations even when the vineyards are situated in the best possible areas. It is also “difficult” during the winemaking process but when it comes out right its repays the producer’s efforts many fold. Pinot Noir for making red wine is very popular in Trentino and Alto Adige (where it is also called Blauburgunder) and Lombardy, above all in Oltrepò but also Franciacorta, as well as in Veneto and Friuli.
The wine is distinguished by its red color that is never too bold, its bouquet of small red fruits (currant, blackberry and raspberry) and for its soft and velvety mouthfeel. Maturing the wine in barriques exalts its potential.
