Winemaker Luca Bellani DISCOVERING ITALY AND THE OLTREPÓ PAVESE By Allison Levine

ocated 40 minutes south of Milan in the regions, such as Piedmont, but today a that dates back to the French Revolution. LLombardy region of Italy and across the small group of boutique wine producers are This manuscript was written by Jule’, a river from Pavia sits the region of Oltrepò producing high-quality wines and changing Count from Champagne who lost his Pavese, which means “on the other side of the face of Oltrepò Pavese. One winery to feudal privilege and moved to Italy in the Po River from Pavia”. Frequently called look out for is Ca’ di Frara from Mornico search of new adventures. The Count the Tuscany of the North, the Oltrepò Losana in Oltrepò Pavese which just fell in love with Pavia and due to an Pavese is fairly unknown and yet is one of entered the California market with Casa unrequited love, created a formula for a the largest wine producing regions in all of Torelli Imports. Winemaker Luca Bellani unique wine to “opened their hearts, melt Italy, just behind Chianti and Asti. continues the tradition started by his great the senses and amused all those who had With 44 DOC wines, the main grandfather in 1905 and makes wines that drunk.” Ca’ di Frara has recreated this varieties grown in Oltrepò Pavese are represent the terroir of the area. Stand outs formula with a fruity and fresh, but not Croatina (which make Bonarda), Pinot to look for are: sweet, sparkling wine made with 100% ■ Nero, Barbera, Riesling and Moscato, as Croatina grapes. well as Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio. CA’ DI FRARA OLTRE IL CLASSICO In fact, with more than 3000 hectares CRUASE’ planted, more than 50% of the Pinot Noir (Oltrepò Pavese Pinot Noir Classic in Italy is actually planted in Oltrepò Method Brut Cruasé D.O.C.G.) Pavese, making it the Pinot Noir capital 100% Pinot Noir of Italy. A natural pink color, the wine is Oltrepò Pavese also produces affordable bright and fresh with aromas of blackberry, ($20-$40) champagne-like spumante raspberry and currant wines made with Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio. These sparkling CA’ DI FRARA IL FRATER wines can be found in the 3 DOCG (Oltrepò Pavese Rosso Riserva D.O.P.) wines: Oltrepò Pavese Metodo Classico 95% Croatina, 5% Pinot Noir DOCG (minimum 70% pinot nero, 30% Intense ruby color, this wine has aromas chardonnay and/or pinot grigio); Oltrepò of blackberry, mint and spices. On the Pavese Metodo Classico DOCG Blanc de palate, it is juicy with balanced acidity and Noir (minimum 85% pinot nero); Oltrepò sweet tannins. Pavese Cruasè DOCG (minimum 85% pinot nero, vinified rose). And introducing……. JULE’, For many years the grapes in Oltrepò a sparkling wine made in honor of a Pavese had been purchased for use by other document that was discovered in Barcelona

54 BIN 2013