Oltrepò: Land of Pinot Noir

The fifth edition of “Oltrepò: Terra di Pinot Nero” was presented yesterday in Milan, at the headquarters of the Regional Council of Lombardy, the event created by the Classese Oltrepò Pavese Consortium to celebrate the Classic Method and Pinot Noir, symbols of a land that confirms its leading role in the Italian wine scene.

In the presence of a large number of dignitaries, journalists, and guests, Consortium President Francesca Seralvo and Regional Councilor for Agriculture, Food Sovereignty, and Forestry Alessandro Beduschi presented the program of this unique event, which focuses on the Oltrepò region.

" On the 160th anniversary of the first Italian Blanc de Noirs, we celebrate the great commonality of purpose that in recent months has allowed the Consortium to revise the specifications for the DOCG classic method, focusing on the quality also embodied by the Classese name," said Francesca Seralvo, President of the Classese Oltrepo' Pavese Consortium. "Our land is historically suited to this type of sparkling wine, and the region has decided to focus on it with great determination. 2025 presents numerous challenges, but through discussion and a clear strategy, we can address them: 'Oltrepò: Terra di Pinot Nero' is not only an important showcase, but also a moment that highlights our Consortium's desire to engage with everyone, continually expanding our collaboration to enhance the territory ."

" With 'Oltrepò: Land of Pinot Noir,'" added Alessandro Beduschi, Regional Councilor for Agriculture, Food Sovereignty, and Forestry, " the region celebrates its roots while also challenging the future. In this sense, the birth of Classese marks a momentous transition, rooted in tradition but firmly focused on innovation and quality. The Lombardy Region supports this journey and its protagonists, so that this event can further fuel a new era of growth and recognition for the entire Oltrepò Pavese. "

" An authentic territory, a unique history, and an extraordinary winemaking vocation are today the most precious heritage of the Consorzio Classese Oltrepò Pavese," continued Elena Lucchini, Councilor for Family, Social Solidarity, Disability, and Equal Opportunities . "Promoting, with this event, the value and quality of Lombard wines and, at the same time, our ancient Oltrepò villages means developing a tourism that is attentive and respectful of local identity. My best wishes for the 160th anniversary of the Metodo Classico . "

The event will be held on September 21st and 22nd in Golferenzo , one of the "Most Beautiful Villages in Italy," and will feature two days dedicated to the winemaking excellence of the Oltrepò Pavese region. The spotlight will be on the Metodo Classico DOCG—destined to become Classese— and the Pinot Noir DOC vinified as a red wine , two expressions of a single identity that proudly looks to its roots and ambitiously toward the future.

On September 21st , the event will open its doors to enthusiasts: from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., you can taste wines from 29 local wineries , meet the producers, and enjoy an immersive experience in the heart of the Oltrepò. Online tickets are €35 (€25 for AIS, FISAR, ONAV members, and students).

September 22nd will be the day reserved for industry professionals and the Ho.Re.Ca. sector, with tastings, professional tastings, and an exclusive focus on Blanc de Noirs , the star of the show. The technical session, with FISAR sommelier service, will be an opportunity to delve deeper into the purity and identity of Pinot Noir Metodo Classico.

2025 marks a historic anniversary: 160 years since the first bottles of sparkling wine were produced in Rocca de' Giorgi in 1865. This milestone coincides with the approval of the new production regulations, which introduce the name Classese and establish the birth of the first appellation in the world based on the Classic Method from Pinot Noir vinified as white or rosé .

With “Oltrepò: Terra di Pinot Nero” , the Consortium confirms its commitment to promoting a 160-year history and building, through quality, identity, and innovation, the future of a great Italian denomination.