The Oltrepò Pavese area, known for its vineyards and high quality wines, is located within the Pavia province, and has a total surface of 1.100 km² ,and a population of 146,000 inhabitants. It has been named like this because it is south of the Po river, the longest in Italy, within the Northern Appennine mountain range, a land geographically and morphologically very similar to the one found in the Emilia region. The Oltrepò is literally wedged between the Emilia-Romagna and Piemonte regions, whit the city of Piacenza at the eastern border, while to the west we find Tortona and the Alessandria province, very close to the border with the Liguria region, and the Genoa province.
It has a triangular shape, it reminds a bunch of grapes, where one side is defined by the river Po, the opposite one, to the south, by the highest mountain within the Pavia province, mount Lesima .The region has a flat part, followed to the south by a wide hilly area, then (in the southernmost corner), a mountain area (Ligurian Appennine)
Its structure is influenced by the main valley, the Staffora valley, that defines the western border, from the higher part of the Tidone valley, that runs mainly in the Piacenza province, defining the eastern border. Many other small valleys and hills can be found in between the two main ones. The main river is the Staffora, other streams are: Ardivestra, Versa, part of the Tidone and part of lake Trebecco. In the southernmost part, beyond the Brallo pass, in the municipality of Brallo di Pregola, the border is defined by the Trebbia river. The orography of the area, the wealth of water streams and aerial currents, all add up to create a micro climate that is perfect for growing grapes, creating magnificent harvests of higher quality, perfect to make a magnificent wine.
Only the DOC wines can be labeled Oltrepò Pavese, and they must be made within the area called Oltrepò Pavese, that is found within the hilly belt in the Pavia province, south of the river Po. Since 2007, the Oltrepò Pavese Metodo Classico spumante (champenoise) has gained the DOCG appellation. The DOC appellation has ben recognized by the DPR of 06/08/1970, and other modifications. Among the main DOC and DOCG wines made we find: Pinot Noir (vinificated in white), Pinot Grigio and Riesling (the three types are available both as still wines and sparkling), Barbera (still and sparkling) and Bonarda.