Oltrepò Pavese confirms its historic vocation for Pinot Noir—the first grape ever introduced in the area and now officially the most planted variety, surpassing even local red cultivars. Updated data paints the picture of a region increasingly focused on the grape that defines its long‑standing sparkling‑wine tradition.
Pinot Noir Leads Vineyard Plantings
Across a total vineyard area of 11,539 hectares, Pinot Noir covers 2,869 hectares, representing 24.9% of the surface. It is destined both for Metodo Classico (Classese) production and for Pinot Nero dell’Oltrepò Pavese DOC.
Following Pinot Noir in total vineyard share:
- Croatina — 24.7%
- Barbera — 13.6%
Among white grapes (33% of the total):
- Pinot Grigio — 11.7%
- Riesling Italico — 7.4%
- Moscato Bianco — 6.9%
Altitude and Climate: Natural Allies for Quality
The region’s average vineyard altitude is 231 meters above sea level, rising to 631 meters for DOCG‑designated sites and up to 770 meters for IGT vineyards.
This wide altitudinal range, along with ample vineyard spacing, allows producers to move higher up the hillsides to counter rising temperatures, preserving freshness and balance in an era of climate change.
Oltrepò Pavese: Denominations and Sparkling‑Wine Tradition
An impressive 98% of the Oltrepò Pavese vineyard area is classified as DOC and/or DOCG, with DOCG alone accounting for 38%.
The average vine age is 25 years, with a strong preference for Guyot training (76.7%).
One of the most awaited projects is the relaunch of Classese, the blanc de noirs (and rosé de noirs) expression that embodies the region’s prestigious sparkling‑wine heritage. The new labels will debut next April at Vinitaly.
Italian Metodo Classico itself traces its origins to Valle Scuropasso, where in the mid‑1800s Pinot Noir was first used for sparkling bases. In 1865, Count Vistarino created the first blanc de noirs—a tradition that, in 1984, inspired the birth of Classese, now ready for a new chapter.
The Towns and Growing Areas Where Pinot Noir Thrives
Among the municipalities with the largest vineyard surface:
- Santa Maria della Versa — 9.6%
- Montalto Pavese — 7.5%
- Montù Beccaria — 7.4%
- Borgo Priolo — 6.8%
- Montecalvo Versiggia — 5.7%
Pinot Noir is most widespread in:
- Montalto Pavese — 304 ha
- Montecalvo Versiggia — 217 ha
- Borgo Priolo — 216 ha
Meanwhile, Croatina dominates in:
- Santa Maria della Versa — 300 ha
- Montù Beccaria — 295 ha
- Rovescala — 278 ha
