La Rocchetta di Mondondone
La Rocchetta di Mondondone is a small, family-run winery located in the Oltrepò Pavese region of Lombardy, Italy. It is known for its commitment to natural and artisanal winemaking.
History and Location
Location: The winery is situated in the hills of the Oltrepò Pavese, near the town of Codevilla, in the province of Pavia. This area is known for its diverse terroir and a long history of winemaking.
Founding: The estate is run by Stefano Banfi, who, after a career as a nurse, decided to pursue his passion for winemaking in 2013. He personally manages the vineyards, winemaking, and sales.
Estate: The vineyards are home to old, resilient vines that are typical of the area and are farmed organically. The winery also has a guesthouse and offers visits and tastings, reflecting a close connection to the land and the local community.
Winemaking Philosophy
Stefano Banfi's philosophy is centered on an artisanal and natural approach, respecting the environment and the unique character of his vineyards.
Organic Viticulture: The vineyards are cultivated according to organic specifications and have been certified for several years. This includes avoiding chemical treatments and working in harmony with the natural ecosystem.
Minimal Intervention: In the cellar, the approach is one of "less is more."
Spontaneous Fermentation: All wines are fermented using indigenous, or native, yeasts found on the grapes.
Long Fermentation: The wines often undergo long fermentations, which can last until the following spring.
Minimal Additives: No additives are used, and sulfur is kept to a minimum or not used at all. The goal is to produce wines that are a pure expression of the vintage and the terroir.
Aging: The wines are aged in stainless steel or other vessels to maintain their freshness and authenticity.
Notable Wines
La Rocchetta di Mondondone produces a range of wines, including both reds and whites, with a particular focus on traditional and local grape varieties.
Imperfetto: A "méthode ancestrale" sparkling wine made from a blend of white grapes. It is known for its spontaneous fermentation in the bottle and for not being disgorged, resulting in a cloudy, rustic, and vibrant wine.
Lucemente: A dry white wine made from Cortese and Moscato grapes. It is characterized by spontaneous fermentation and long aging on its fine lees, which contributes to its complexity and a delicate floral and fruity aroma.
Indomitus: A Barbera Riserva, aged for a long time to create a powerful and complex red wine with a rich color and notes of ripe red fruit.
Croaticum: A red wine made from the Croatina grape, a variety that is often underestimated in the Oltrepò Pavese. La Rocchetta's version is aged in oak, highlighting the potential of this local grape.
Suavis Noir: A Pinot Noir Riserva, reflecting the historical importance of Pinot Noir in the Oltrepò Pavese. It is a luminous and elegant red wine with notes of ripe red berries.