The Oltrepò deserves, today more than ever, a rediscovery after many years of prejudices and questionable management of an area that has always had the makings of a great terroir. Not only large numbers but also a lot of quality, history and passion of winemakers who love their land and try to make a denomination that is too often forgotten or scorned great again.
And if we talk about men who love their roots, we cannot fail to tell about Paolo Percivalle, a true winemaker from Borgo Priolo, in the territory of Casteggio, one of the most beautiful areas of the Oltrepò. The winery is located in the center of a natural amphitheater with vineyards that rise along the nearby hills with truly remarkable slopes. Winemakers for three generations, Paolo's family has been cultivating these lands since 1915 with passion, dedication and deep attachment to their land. The choice of the organic method therefore goes in this direction, as a choice of life and as a production style that sees nature and man as protagonist. This synergy is based on respect for the environment and sustainability at every stage of the process, from the vineyard to the bottle.
In its 11 hectares, Paolo cultivates vines with great care and attention, only manure for fertilization, use of pesticides reduced to a minimum, while chemical weeding is totally banned. Each phase is managed in full and convinced compliance with the organic disciplinary. In the vineyards the undisputed protagonists are Pinot Noir and Croatina.
To keep him company we find Chardonnay, Merlot and Barbera. Paolo has always believed strongly in the Oltrepò sparkling wine vocation and among its labels, all very valid and deeply territorial, its bubbles have a place of honor. To underline the production style of Paolo, based on a great cleanliness, a safe technique and the convinced use of selected yeasts.
La Cuvee 270 is an unusual Pinot Noir-based sparkling wine that ages on the lees for only 9 months, Paolo is one of the few to make it. It is a really well made bubble, a fresh, tasty and crunchy sip, with an acidity that lends itself well to any combination or even as a pleasant glass to drink between meals, perhaps in the summer with friends. It is a bottle that you finish without even noticing!
Il Brut Pinot Noir it is the older brother of 270, always Pinot Noir in purity but with a prolonged stay of 24 months on the lees. It represents the company's flag, a traditional and classic expression that well represents the territory. Fine and elegant nose, it is a wine that goes well, thanks to its slender body and the beautiful sour shoulder, with local cold cuts and cheeses.
Il Pinot Noir Dosage Zero refines 36 months on its lees. It is the most austere and sharpened version among Paolo's Pinot Neri, it is a bubble of remarkable finesse, momentum and agility, on the nose fragrant hints of bread-making accompanied by elegant mineral notes, small country flowers and white fruit. The Blanc de blanc brut based on Chardonnay, on the other hand, it is an outsider, a bubble capable of surprising and surprising with its creaminess and its pastry notes that make it a genuine and true expression of this great white in the Oltrepò land.
No less interesting and of quality are the production of highly typical red wines. An example is the Fourteen March, Young Pinot Noir, vinified in red and only in steel that amazes for the ease of drinking and the fullness of the sip, a wine that reflects well the genuineness and sincerity of the producer. Equally noteworthy are the Bonarda Amanti and the Merlot Settembre, reliable labels that reflect a clean wine style free from any pandering. To conclude, Casteggio, a long-aged red wine made from 60% Barbera and 40% Croatina, deserves a mention. It is aged for 12 months in barrique and is a demonstration of how well-structured wines can be made in Oltrepò by enhancing native vines. The result is a red with remarkable texture, with a full and captivating nose in which the wood supports and enhances pleasant notes of berries, spices and leather, while in the mouth the freshness of the barbera goes well with the full-bodiedness of the Croatina . A perfect match for game!
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