Casteggio

About the wine

The Casteggio DOC represents a historic red wine tradition from the Oltrepò Pavese hills in Lombardy. Historically recognized as a distinct production area, it was separated from the broader Oltrepò Pavese DOC in 2010 to highlight its specific terroir and winemaking heritage. The wine is primarily based on Barbera (minimum 65%), which provides the backbone, structure, and acidity, complemented by local varieties like Croatina, Uva Rara, Vespolina, and Pinot Nero. The resulting wine is a robust, dry, and harmonious red, characterized by intense ruby color, notes of red fruits and spices, and significant aging potential. The disciplinare mandates a minimum of 24 months of total aging, including at least 12 months in oak barrels and 6 months in the bottle, ensuring a sophisticated profile. A 'Riserva' typology is also permitted for wines aged for at least 3 years. The production zone is strictly limited to the hilly slopes of Casteggio and six neighboring communes, excluding valley floors to ensure optimal grape quality.

Grape varieties

Production & aging

The production area is located in the hilly viticultural belt of the Oltrepò Pavese region in the province of Pavia. It encompasses the municipality of Casteggio and the neighboring communes of Borgo Priolo, Corvino San Quirico, Montebello della Battaglia, Calvignano, Oliva Gessi, and Torrazza Coste. The zone is defined by specific hilly terrain, excluding valley floors and plains, characterized by calcareous and clay-limestone soils.