The best red and white wines from Oltrepò Pavese in 9 Labels under 20 Euros

Jan 29 2024, 18:00

Among the best wines from Oltrepò Pavese with an excellent quality-to-price ratio, we have selected some labels of reds and whites. Here they are

In the last twenty years, the Italian wine landscape has undergone physiological transformations. Among the many regions that have managed to earn a place in the sun, we cannot fail to mention Oltrepò Pavese.

Let's provide some geographical coordinates. When we talk about Oltrepò Pavese, we refer to the southernmost part of Lombardy, an area that marks the border with Emilia Romagna to the east, Piedmont to the west, and the mountainous areas of Liguria to the south. As is well known, this territory is one of the cradles of Italian Pinot Noir; in fact, with its over 3000 hectares cultivated with the noblest of grape varieties, it is the third-largest area in the world dedicated to this grape; on the other steps of the podium, of course, are Burgundy and Champagne. But how is all this Pinot Noir used? Obviously, it is used to be vinified as red, a type that we find year after year in constant qualitative growth, but above all, it is used to produce Classic Method sparkling wines, the real flagship of the region.

But of course, it doesn't stop at Pinot Noir. In the province of Pavia, one of the most widespread grapes is Croatina, a native variety that plays a leading role in the Bonarda of Oltrepò Pavese, where it often combines with Barbera, rare grape, and Vespolina. It is a lively and lively wine, very pleasant, ideal for accompanying cold cuts and sausages, such as Cucito di Varzi, one of the delicacies of the region.

Not just reds: Oltrepò Pavese is also able to offer very interesting whites. The dominant grape is Riesling, both Italian and Rhine; there are 1300 cultivated hectares, and more and more often, we find ourselves facing precise, sharp wines with good longevity.

The wines of Oltrepò Pavese with the best quality-to-price ratio for the Berebene 2024 guide

The region is gaining broad consensus on the stage of the Italian and international market. Also because it can offer excellent interpretations at more than reasonable prices. And we demonstrate this with this small list taken from the 2024 Berebene guide by Gambero Rosso: as usual, these are wines that in our guide have received a rating of 90 points or higher and cost less than 20 euros.