La Torrazzetta

La Torrazzetta is an organic and natural wine producer in the Oltrepò Pavese region of Lombardy, Italy.

The winery is family-owned and known for its deep respect for the environment and traditional winemaking.

History and Location

• Location: The winery is situated in Casteggio, in the Oltrepò Pavese region, known as the "Tuscany of the North" for its beautiful rolling hills.

• Family Business: The estate has been in the Scabini family since 1957. The current generation, including sisters Lella, Paola, and Piera, continues the family legacy of farming and winemaking.

• Philosophy: The family believes that the quality of the wine is a direct result of the health of the vineyard. They focus on preserving the natural ecosystem and expressing the unique terroir of their land.

Winemaking Philosophy

La Torrazzetta's philosophy is rooted in a natural and organic approach, both in the vineyard and the cellar.

• Organic Farming: The winery has been certified organic since 1993, well before it was common practice in the region. They avoid all chemical products, relying on natural methods to maintain the health of their vineyards.

• Minimal Intervention: In the cellar, they strive to do as little as possible.

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

  • No Additives: They use no added sugars, clarifying agents, or other additives.

  • Minimal to No Sulfites: The use of sulfites is kept to an absolute minimum or is avoided completely, especially in some of their wines.

  • Unfiltered: Many of their wines are unfiltered to preserve their full character and complexity.

• Patience: The wines are often aged for an extended period to allow them to develop their full potential before release.

Notable Wines

La Torrazzetta produces a range of wines that are authentic expressions of the Oltrepò Pavese, with a focus on both local and international grape varieties.

• Riesling: The winery is particularly known for its Riesling, especially Riesling Renano. Their Riesling wines are often complex, with a strong mineral character and a distinct sense of place.

• Pinot Noir: The Oltrepò Pavese is famous for its Pinot Noir, and La Torrazzetta's version is a pure expression of the grape, with a focus on elegance and bright fruit.

• Bonarda: This is the local name for the Croatina grape. Their Bonarda is typically a fresh, fruit-forward red wine with a lively character, making it a staple of the region.

• Sparkling Wines: They produce sparkling wines using the traditional method, showcasing the region's ability to produce high-quality, complex sparkling wines.