Oltrepò Pavese is a rich land that conveys its strength and majesty even on a gloomy, rainy day. About 40 km from Milan, one of the most interesting wineries in Oltrepò Pavese is Oltrenero, located in Zenevredo, in the Lombardy region in the north of Italy.
Zenevredo is not only an ideal destination for a day trip, but it is also a must-visit for anyone wanting to discover Oltrepò Pavese; moreover, it offers a unique blend of cultural experiences and stunning landscapes. It is a charming village in the province of Pavia. Its name comes from the Latin word ‘ginepretum,’ which refers to the fascinating juniper berries that have adorned the surrounding hills since the Middle Ages
The origins of the Oltrenero Estate date back to that period. During this time, Benedictine monks restored the land after a long period of abandonment and they successfully brought the vineyards back to life.
This region, also known as “Old Piedmont,” witnessed the birth of Italian sparkling wine production at the end of the 19th century, thanks to the use of Pinot Nero grapes. This high-quality varietal works exceptionally well for white vinification and creates refined sparkling wines made using the classic method.
Zonin 1821 Group and Oltrepò Pavese
The Zonin family has owned the Oltrenero Estate since 1987. Recognizing the value of this territory, they expanded the vineyard area from the original 30 hectares to the current 104 hectares. Of these, 84 hectares are dedicated to vineyards. During this expansion phase, the Zonin family focused on the extraordinary richness of native varieties. They particularly highlighted the surprising Croatina and Barbera, which reach exceptional quality levels here. However, the true protagonist of the estate and the Oltrepò Pavese region is Pinot Noir. This noble grape variety has expressed its elegance and personality here for over two centuries. It is no coincidence that about 75% of the Pinot Nero cultivated in Italy comes from Oltrepò Pavese.
Dynamism and continuous improvement
What greets us at the estate is the symbol of Oltrenero. It is a circle that represents the company’s philosophy. This symbolizes a continuous and harmonious movement that regenerates endlessly. The company constantly strives for perfection. The circle is a geometric figure. It evokes the symbol of life and expresses completeness, uniformity, and the absence of separation. On the other hand, the dynamism embodied in this symbol reflects a constant desire for improvement. It also signifies growth towards ever higher ideals. This is evident in the fact that every year the company introduces innovations and experiments aimed at continuous improvement.
The drive for improvement is one of the traits that clearly comes across in the words of Paolo Tealdi, the estate’s director and winemaker since 2021. The team and the Zonin family are constantly pursuing the best expression of the territory. They aim to welcome guests to the Estate. They want to ensure that visitors leave with the awareness that they have truly discovered this place. This focus is central to the company’s philosophy
Sustainability and hospitality in Oltrenero
Oltrenero is a company committed to sustainability, and this word is closely linked with hospitality. The doors of Oltrenero, like those of all other estates in the Zonin 1821 group, are open to all guests wishing to explore the company and its products.
It is precisely the human element that becomes the common thread in this encounter with Michele Zonin and Paolo Tealdi.
“The estate is a small community, made up of people who live in the area and know the culture and history of Oltrepò Pavese well. We want to emphasize on every occasion that what we produce here at Oltrenero is unique and can only be found here. Just 30 km away, producers achieve entirely different results. Our bottle may not immediately impress with its aesthetics of everyone, but it encapsulates the work of many people united by a strong bond. We want to convey that wine is culture, and everything traces back to the people and the territory” says Michele Zonin.
Oltrenero Cuvéé Emme – 2018
The wine that impressed us the most?
The name is derived from the first initial of Meuinier, the “Miller’s Pinot”, so-called because the underside of vine leaf is covered with a white silky texture that makes it appear dusted with flour. So, we are talking about a blanc de noirs. An elegant, linear wine. The fresh yet deep sip is intriguing. No pairing is needed for this wine; we like to think of it as a wine that stands on its own.
For more details about Oltrenero https://www.oltrenero.it/
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