Tenuta Borri

Tenuta Borri is a small, family-run natural wine producer in the Oltrepò Pavese region of Lombardy, Italy. It's a prime example of a small-scale, artisanal winery with a strong commitment to traditional, low-intervention 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 meters above sea level, on clay and calcareous soils, which are ideal for producing a wide range of grape varieties.

  • Founding: The estate is run by Marco Borri and his family, representing a new generation of winemakers dedicated to respecting the land and its traditions. They took over a family property that had been abandoned, with the goal of bringing the old vines back to life and producing wines that are a true expression of the terroir.

Winemaking Philosophy

Tenuta Borri's philosophy is rooted in a deep connection to the land and a minimalist approach to winemaking. They believe that great wine is made in the vineyard, not the cellar.

  • Organic Farming: The vineyards are farmed organically, without the use of chemical pesticides, herbicides, or synthetic fertilizers. They focus on maintaining the health of the soil and promoting biodiversity.

  • Minimal Intervention: In the cellar, their approach is hands-off.

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

    • No Filtration: The wines are unfined and unfiltered, preserving their natural character and complexity.

    • Minimal to No Sulfur: The use of sulfur is kept to a minimum, and some wines are made with no added sulfur at all.

  • Focus on Grapes: The winery focuses on the indigenous grapes of the Oltrepò Pavese, including Croatina and Barbera for reds and Pinot Grigio and Riesling for whites.

Notable Wines

Tenuta Borri produces a small but highly-regarded range of wines that are authentic expressions of the Oltrepò Pavese region.

  • Rosso: A red wine, often a blend of Barbera and Croatina, that is a true expression of the region. It's known for its freshness, vibrant fruit, and approachable character.

  • Bianco: A white wine, often a blend of local white grapes, that is light and aromatic, with a clear and crisp acidity.

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