South of Pavia in Lombardy; Po Valley hillside zone on limestone and clay soils. Italy's largest Pinot Nero (Pinot Noir) DOC — most used for sparkling wine base (DOCG Metodo Classico). Also produces Barbera, Croatina, and Bonarda (Croatina) reds. Undervalued region: Pinot Nero here was historically Italy's best until Champagne houses stopped sourcing and quality focus shifted.
| Year | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | — | Good Lombardy season; Pinot Nero on limestone achieved characteristic aromatic precision; Cruasé quality high |
| 2021 | — | Outstanding vintage; Mazzolino Noir Pinot Nero from 2021 showing excellent depth and aromatic complexity |
| 2020 | — | Good growing season; Oltrepò Pavese producing some of its finest still Pinot Nero in years; quality rising |
| 2019 | — | Classic northern Italy vintage; Pinot Nero from limestone sites showing Burgundy-level complexity |
| 2018 | — | Variable Lombardy weather; selective harvesting essential; top estates maintained quality standard |
| 2017 | — | Warm vintage; Pinot Nero richer and more approachable; Cruasé DOCG particularly successful |
| 2016 | — | Benchmark vintage for still Oltrepò Pinot Nero; Mazzolino Noir from this year showing remarkable ageing capacity |