Oltrepò Pavese is preparing to write a new chapter in its sparkling wine history. On November 28, the Consorzio Classese Oltrepò Pavese, gathered in an ordinary assembly, approved with over 99% of votes in favor the Regulations for the use of the Classese brand, which will allow the new name for Pinot Noir Metodo Classico to appear on labels. The official presentation is expected at Vinitaly 2026, marking a decisive step in the relaunch project shared by all producers.
A Vote in the Name of Pinot Noir Metodo Classico to Unite the Territory
“Today we voted unanimously to approve the regulations for the use of the Classese brand, and I cannot hide my satisfaction for the unity of purpose the territory has regained. The regulations are a fundamental tool to tell the story and quality of our Metodo Classico, to quickly begin the promotional journey that must immediately accompany the quality commitment that all of us producers put into the vineyard and cellar every day,” said President Francesca Seralvo during the November 28 assembly, adding: “With the brand-use regulations, we can start writing Classese on labels right away.”
From the First Blanc de Noirs to Classese
The Classese project—a name that combines the words Classico and Pavese—is rooted in tradition, explains a note from the Consortium. Exactly 160 years ago, in Rocca de’ Giorgi, Count Vistarino produced the first Blanc de Noirs from Oltrepò together with Carlo Gancia, giving rise to a story that would define the territory. The name Classese was born in 1984, when 12 producers decided to specifically promote Pinot Noir Metodo Classico, creating a distinctive mention. Today, with the approved regulations, Classese returns to labels as the banner of the only international sparkling wine territory entirely dedicated to Blanc de Noirs and Rosé de Noirs.
The Classese Project and Other Reforms for the Future of Oltrepò
The renewal process, launched with the appointment of the new Board of Directors in March 2024, reached a turning point last February with the approval of the new DOCG Metodo Classico production rules, introducing quality standards resulting from years of technical discussion. The assembly also voted to amend the rules for other denominations, reducing yields per hectare for Pinot Grigio Oltrepò Pavese DOC (from 150 to 125 q/ha) and Pinot Noir Oltrepò Pavese DOC (from 120 to 100 q/ha), to strengthen overall quality.
“Today we have taken an important step forward because, after the vote at the last February assembly, we are developing the Classese project. In recent weeks, the approved changes to the DOCG regulations have been published in the Official Bulletin of the Lombardy Region and are now under review by the Ministry, so we hope for approval by the end of next year,” concluded Francesca Seralvo.
A New Statute for More Inclusive Governance
The revival of Oltrepò Pavese also involves the first major reform of 2025: the adoption of a new Statute, which rebalanced representation by giving more space to small producers and introducing a supply-chain bonus for those who oversee all stages from vineyard to bottle. The goal is clear: to define a transparent quality pyramid and build a protection and promotion strategy oriented toward markets.
Classese is thus preparing to become the symbol of a territory aiming to refocus attention on the quality of its Metodo Classico and the strength of a territorial identity that can finally be shared.
