The historic Buttafuoco is on display for the first time at the Merano Wine Festival.

The Fiamberti , Giorgi , Maggi Francesco and Quaquarini wineries, four of the most important companies in the Oltrepò Pavese area, members of the Buttafuoco Storico Club , will be the protagonists of a masterclass conducted by the wine journalist Mauro Giacomo Bertolli , one of the greatest experts on Oltrepò wines, which will take place on 8 November , as part of the 34th Merano WineFestival .

For Buttafuoco Storico, a true excellence of Lombardy's wine production, this is a recognition at Italy's most prestigious wine event. Buttafuoco is a fine red wine made from a blend of Croatina, Barbera, Uva Rara, and Ughetta di Canneto grape varieties. It originates from the Sperone di Stradella area, which extends across seven municipalities in the eastern Oltrepò Pavese, covering approximately two thousand hectares.

"The winemakers we selected for the Merano tasting," explains Mauro Giacomo Bertolli, "are both emblematic of the spirit and tradition that distinguishes the Buttafuoco Storico terroir and a testament to the potential for interpreting and producing this wine in diverse ways, in keeping with each winery's style."

These are the wines that will be offered:

Fiamberti , Buttafuoco Vigna Sacca del Prete, 2013 and 2021 vintages

· Giorgi , Vigna Casa Corno, 2017 and 2020 vintages

· Maggi Francesco , Buttafuoco Vigna Costera, 2015 and 2018 vintages

· Quaquarini , Buttafuoco Vigna Pregana, 2010 and 2019 vintages

During the masterclass , the 2020 vintage of the consortium wine “I Vignaioli del Buttafuoco Storico” will also be tasted.

Founded in 1996, the Buttafuoco Storico Club brings together 18 Oltrepò Pavese producers, committed to protecting and promoting this wine through rigorous quality standards. Twenty vineyards are recognized, covering a total of approximately 22 hectares in the municipalities of Broni, Stradella, Castana, Canneto Pavese, Montescano, Pietra de' Giorgi, and Cigognola. Their topographical names on the label certify the origin and uniqueness of each wine. Each year, a consortium-run Buttafuoco Storico is also produced, made from a blend of the members' wines, created by a different winemaker each time, primarily involving winemakers from outside the Club's wineries. The Club's symbol is a sailing ship with flaming sails, inspired by the 19th-century Austro-Hungarian Navy ship "Buttafuoco."

FIAMBERTI

Giovanni Fiamberti purchased Vigna Solenga in 1814 and began producing wine: a family business that has grown from generation to generation. After World War II, Giuseppe Fiamberti created the company brand and expanded the business. Giulio Fiamberti, who took over the reins from his father Ambrogio, is now at the helm of the winery. In his 20 hectares of vineyards, he passionately cultivates the area's typical varietals: Pinot Noir, Riesling, Croatina, Uva Rara, Barbera, and Ughetta di Canneto, a native grape also known as Vespolina. Among the leading producers of Buttafuoco, in recent years he has also successfully dedicated himself to producing Metodo Classico.

GIORGI

The story of Cantine Giorgi began in 1875 in the hills of the Oltrepò Pavese, on the border of four regions. It is one of the largest family-run businesses in the area, producing approximately one million bottles annually. It has grown significantly since the 1970s, led by brothers Gianfranco and Antonio. Antonio's children, Fabiano and Eleonora, are now at the helm. Among the Oltrepò wineries with the most international presence, Giorgi stands out for its innovation and marketing. Known for its sparkling wines, it also deserves attention for its traditional local wines, particularly Buttafuoco. The partnership with Gerry Scotti is significant, with a line of wines created in his name.

MAGGI FRANCESCO

The family-run Maggi Francesco winery was founded in 1940 by Francesco Maggi, later developed by his sons, Angelino and Giuseppe, and now primarily by his nephew Marco, to whom his father and uncle gave the space from a young age to grow the winery with new and modern ideas, while still respecting tradition. It is located in Canneto Pavese, one of the towns symbolizing the Oltrepò Pavese winemaking tradition. The winery has 29 hectares of vineyards, 25 of which are owned. Average production is approximately 150,000 bottles per year: around twenty labels, expressing the diverse terroirs. It is among the wineries that most closely identify their spirit with that of Buttafuoco.

QUAQUARINI

The Quaquarini Francesco winery is located in Canneto Pavese. Family-run and certified organic, it offers typical Oltrepò wines in all their nuances. Founded by Libero Quaquarini in 1904, it has been passed down through the generations to Umberto, then to Francesco, and now to his children, Umberto and Maria Teresa. Riccardo and Federico, sons of Umberto, who is also the winery's winemaker, are also already working in the winery. Always committed to sustainability and the promotion of native grape varieties, with respect and love for tradition, they own 50 hectares of vineyards, producing approximately 500,000 bottles annually.