The name Classese arrives on labels: the classic method sparkling wine from Oltrepò reaches the finishing line

Decisive step forward for the landing on the markets of the new Classic Method sparkling wine of Oltrepò Pavese: Il Classese. A path of renewal that had begun last February, when with an almost unanimous vote the Assembly of the Consortium approved the new specifications of the Classic Method DOCG. In addition to reinstating the new name (in fact, it was a historic name for the bubbles of Oltrepò that was the result of the crasis between Classico and Pavese and that had fallen into disuse over time), the new regulations introduced some important quality rules that had matured at the technical tables promoted by the Lombardy Region over time.

But now there is a new positive step forward with the approval in recent days by the Consortium assembly of the Regulation of use of the Classese brand name that will allow the new name to be used on the label for classic method sparkling wines made from Pinot Nero dell'Oltrepò Pavese. The new label will be officially presented at the next Vinitaly in Verona (in April 2026).
The vote at the assembly a few days ago recorded a favourable percentage of 99%, confirming the producers' common intention to proceed with a shared project to enhance the sparkling wines of Oltrepò.

"We voted compactly for the approval of the regulations for the use of the Classese mark," commented the President of the Oltrepò Pavese Consortium, Francesca Seralvo, "and I cannot hide my satisfaction for the unity of intent that the territory has rediscovered. The regulation is a fundamental tool to tell the story and the quality of our metodo classico, to quickly begin that path of promotion that must immediately accompany the commitment to quality that all of us producers put into the vineyard and cellar every day. With the regulations for the use of the brand, we will be able to start immediately to write Classese on the label, a name that is preparing to become the flag of the only international sparkling wine territory entirely dedicated to blanc de noirs and rosé de noirs.

The rules defined for Classese represent the essential framework for a quality sparkling wine: exclusively manual harvesting of the grapes, must of the grapes reduced to 55% from 60%, minimum ageing of 24 months instead of the previous 15. Inclusion of Pinot Meunier in place of Pinot Grigio among the grape varieties that together with Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc may supplement Pinot Noir up to a maximum of 15%.

But the restructuring project centred on Classese is paving the way for changes introduced for the denomination's other wines as well. The assembly held a few days ago, in fact, also introduced other important changes: the reduction of yields per hectare of Pinot Grigio dell'Oltrepò Pavese Doc, voted by 90%, and of Pinot Nero dell'Oltrepò Pavese Doc, voted unanimously, (which are reduced from 150 to 125 and from 120 to 100 quintals per hectare respectively).