Montepascolo

Montepascolo is an artisanal, organic winery in the Oltrepò Pavese region of Lombardy, Italy. It is a small-scale, family-run operation focused on natural winemaking.

History and Location

• Location: The winery is located in the hills of the Oltrepò Pavese, in the province of Pavia. The vineyards are situated at an altitude of about 300 to 400 meters above sea level, on soils composed of clay and sand.

• Founding: The winery is run by the Meroni family, led by Giacomo. The family has a long history in the area, and Giacomo has dedicated himself to a more natural, low-intervention style of winemaking, moving away from conventional methods.

• Philosophy: The name Montepascolo refers to an old hill in the area. The philosophy is deeply rooted in respect for the land and a desire to produce authentic wines that reflect the specific terroir.

Winemaking Philosophy

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

• Organic Farming: The vineyards are farmed organically, and the winery is certified. They avoid the use of chemical pesticides, herbicides, and synthetic fertilizers, focusing instead 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 unfined and unfiltered, preserving 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 Croatina, Barbera, and Pinot Nero for reds, and Riesling for whites.

Notable Wines

Montepascolo produces a small but highly regarded range of wines that are authentic expressions of their region.

• Il Pettirosso: A red wine made from a blend of Barbera and Croatina. It's known for its vibrant fruit, fresh acidity, and rustic character.

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

• "Pet-Nat" Sparkling: Like many natural winemakers in the region, they produce sparkling wines using the pétillant naturel method, which results in a naturally fizzy, often cloudy, and vibrant wine.