When one thinks of the great wine regions of Italy I’m sure the Lombardy wine region isn’t the first that comes to mind. If you’re a fan of pinot noir the Oltrepo Pavese is a region that one must seek out as it hosts one of the largest areas under vine for Pinot Nero.

The Oltrepo Pavese is located along the 45th parallel where you also find the great wine regions of the world producing Pinot Noir including Burgundy and Oregon. It’s influenced by the Mediterranean climate of the Ligurian Sea to its south and the continental climate of the Po River and mountains in Piedmont. There are over 32,000 acres under vine with over 160 producers and 1,300 growers.

Outside of Italy, the Oltrepo Pavese is also the third largest area for Pinot Nero in Europe after Champagne and Burgundy. It has been growing there since the 1800’s. The wine produced in the Oltrepo Pavese occupies 60% of Lombardy’s total wine production, but almost half of it is kept within Italy. Its primary grapes found throughout the area are Pinot Nero, Riesling, Bonarda and Croatina that may be blended with some other native varietals.

The Winery ~ Ca’ Di Frara

The Ca’ Di Frara winery is the local dialect for Casa Ferrari, named after the small hamlet where it is located near Mornico Losana. The winery was founded back in 1905 by the great grandfather, Giovanni Bellani, of today’s 3rd generation family member that runs the winery today, Luca, along with the assistance of his brother Matteo. The winery is set in the hillsides receiving mild winters with warm and windy summer temperatures.

There are a few types of soils where the grapes of Ca’ Di Frara are grown. Those grown in the Mornico area are high in clay, which assist with color and deeper aromas and flavors. This is where their Pinot Nero, Croatina and Barbera are grown. In the Oliva Gessi area the soils are comprised of chalk and limestone where their Pinot Grigio, Riesling and Pinot Nero for their sparkling wines are grown.

The Wine

The 2018 Ca’ Di Frara Losana Pinot Nero dell’ Oltrepo Pavese DOC wine is made from 100% Pinot Nero. The general Oltrepo Pavese DOC was established in 1970 until there was a further breakdown of other specific varietals in later years including the Pinot Nero dell’ Oltrepo Pavese DOC in 2010. Wines from this DOC require at least 95% Pinot Nero. The wine spends 12 months in barrique with an additional 12 months in the bottle. The wine was deep ruby colored in the glass with garnet hues. A fresh bouquet of ripe raspberries on the nose with a hint of cocoa. This Pinot Nero was different than what I’ve typically been used to when it comes to pinot noir as I found it quite earthy. I was surprised by some of the firm tannin on this wine up front with lingering acidity in the back showing notes of raspberry and cherry.  ABV 13.5%