Tenuta Belvedere

Tenuta Belvedere is an artisanal winery located in the Oltrepò Pavese region of Lombardy, Italy. It is a prime example of a small-scale producer with a strong commitment to natural winemaking.

History and Location

• Location: The winery is situated in Montecalvo Versiggia, in the lush hills of the Oltrepò Pavese, in the province of Pavia. This area is known for its clay and limestone soils, which are ideal for Pinot Nero and other local varieties.

• Founding: The winery was established in 2013 by Gianluca Cabrini, who left a career in the automotive sector to pursue his passion for winemaking after acquiring an old family cellar through his wife.

• Philosophy: Gianluca's philosophy is deeply intertwined with a respect for "Mother Nature," whom he playfully refers to as the majority shareholder of the business.

Winemaking Philosophy

Tenuta Belvedere's winemaking is a direct reflection of its organic and low-intervention approach in both the vineyard and the cellar.

• Organic Farming: The vineyards are farmed without the use of chemical fertilizers or synthetic products. They work to preserve the soil and use practices like spontaneous cover crops between the rows. Treatments are minimal, relying only on copper and sulfur when absolutely necessary.

• Indigenous Grapes: The winery focuses on both international and native grape varieties that thrive in the Oltrepò Pavese, including Pinot Nero, Croatina, Barbera, Uva Rara, Pinot Grigio, and Riesling.

• Minimal Intervention: In the cellar, Gianluca's goal is to intervene as little as possible to preserve the integrity of the grapes.

  • Spontaneous Fermentation: All fermentations are done with indigenous yeasts.

  • Low to No Sulfites: The use of sulfur is kept to a minimum or completely avoided.

  • Varied Vessels: Wines are aged in a variety of vessels, including stainless steel, concrete, and even clay amphorae, to allow for different expressions of the grapes.

  • "Pet-Nat" Style: Tenuta Belvedere is particularly known for its production of "pet-nats" (pétillant naturel), which are wines fermented in the bottle with their natural yeasts, resulting in a naturally fizzy, often cloudy, and vibrant wine.

Notable Wines

Tenuta Belvedere's wines are celebrated for their authentic character, often combining the traditional styles of the region with Gianluca's creative and minimal-intervention approach.

• The "WAI" line: This series of "pet-nat" wines (Wai Bianco, Wai Rosé, Wai Rosso) are a signature of the winery. They are made using the ancestral method and are known for their lively and approachable character.

• Coccinea: A red wine made from the Croatina grape. It is known for its intense color and a flavor profile of wild berries and cherries, with a rustic, direct character.

• Una Scoperta Pinot Grigio: This white wine is known for its unique winemaking process, with a short period of skin contact and aging in both stainless steel and clay pots. This gives it a slight coppery hue and adds complexity and texture.

• Eleganza Pinot Nero: A red wine made from Pinot Nero, showcasing the potential of this grape in the Oltrepò Pavese terroir. It is known for its elegant and structured character.