Ca' Nova Gualdana

Ca' Nova Gualdana is a small, organic winery in the Oltrepò Pavese region of Lombardy, Italy. It is run by Alberto and his family, who are dedicated to low-intervention winemaking.

History and Location

• Location: The winery is situated in the municipality of Godiasco Salice Terme, in the heart of the Oltrepò Pavese. The vineyards are on high hills, on soils composed of clay and sand.

• Family Tradition: Ca' Nova Gualdana has been in Alberto's family for over 60 years. While the family has a long history of farming, the winery as it is known today is a more recent project, reflecting a return to artisanal methods.

• Philosophy: The family's philosophy is rooted in a deep love for their land. They believe in respecting the earth and the grapes, creating wines that are an honest expression of their terroir.

Winemaking Philosophy

Ca' Nova Gualdana's approach to winemaking is characterized by a "natural" and hands-off style.

• Organic Farming: The vineyards are farmed organically. They avoid the use of chemical pesticides, herbicides, and synthetic fertilizers, focusing on maintaining a healthy, living soil.

• Minimal Intervention: In the cellar, their approach is to guide the wine with as little intervention as possible.

  • Spontaneous Fermentation: All wines are fermented using indigenous, or wild, yeasts.

  • No Filtration: The wines are not filtered or fined, which can leave them with a slight cloudiness but preserves their full flavor and character.

  • Minimal to No Sulfites: They use very low levels of sulfur, and some wines are made with no added sulfites.

• Grape Varieties: The winery focuses on the traditional grapes of the Oltrepò Pavese, including Barbera, Croatina, and Pinot Noir for reds, and Riesling for whites.

Notable Wines

Ca' Nova Gualdana produces a small but highly regarded range of wines that are authentic expressions of their region.

• Fosco: A red wine made from 100% Barbera grapes. It's known for its rustic and authentic character, with a vibrant acidity and notes of red berries.

• Gaudium: A red wine made from 100% Croatina grapes, known locally as Bonarda. It's a fresh and lively wine that showcases the best of this native grape.

• Sasso: A red wine made from 100% Pinot Noir, showcasing the potential of this grape in the Oltrepò Pavese, which has a long history of growing it.

• Riesling: The winery also makes a Riesling that is a true expression of the variety, with a distinct mineral character and bright acidity.