The Verdi family has been rooted in the Oltrepò Pavese since the eighteenth century, when Antonio Verdi crossed over from Parma and started growing grapes in these hills.
Backstory
Seven generations have followed. Luigi, the third generation, was the first to turn the family's grapes into wine. After the Second World War, Bruno began bottling at the estate and gave it the name it still carries. His son Paolo now runs the operation, carrying the family tradition into the modern era.
The Region
The estate lies in the Oltrepò Pavese, the hilly southern corner of Lombardy across the Po from Pavia. It is a region long associated with Croatina, Barbera, and Pinot Nero, and with traditional reds such as Buttafuoco and Sangue di Giuda. The cantina sits in the hamlet of Vergomberra, near Canneto Pavese.
Vineyards & Farming
Bruno Verdi works four separate plots around Canneto Pavese. Cavariola, a west-facing slope of well-drained sandy clay, is the estate's premier cru. Campo del Marrone, closest to the winery, has sandy soils. Vigna Costa and Paradiso sit on limestone-rich ground suited to white varieties, and Casa Zoppini is a more recent acquisition on northeast-facing slopes. The vines include Croatina, Uva Rara, Barbera, Ughetta di Canneto, Pinot Nero, and Riesling Renano.
Winemaking
All grapes are hand-harvested into small containers. Paolo Verdi blends traditional methods with contemporary oenology, working from the conviction that the Oltrepò Pavese can produce world-class wine.
The Wines
The range is led by the Cavariola Oltrepò Pavese Rosso Riserva and includes Buttafuoco, the lightly sweet and frizzante Sangue di Giuda Paradiso, and a Pinot Grigio bottled as Oltrepò Pavese Bianco.
