Viticoltura Sperimentale nell’Oltrepò Pavese

With 17 hectares of vineyards in the heart of Oltrepò Pavese, Riccagioia makes wine its main field of experimentation. Here, viticulture becomes an object of applied research: an open-air laboratory where precision agriculture, sustainable agronomy, and varietal collections work together to build the viticulture of the future.

High-definition satellite images, drones with multispectral and thermal cameras, weather stations, and field sensors provide a continuous snapshot of the health of the plants. The detailed digitalization of vineyards and soil zoning allows for the rational use of water, fertilizers, and treatments, and opens up targeted strategies to improve wine quality and yield. At the heart of this is one of the most pressing challenges in viticulture: managing the water stress in vineyards that have historically not been irrigated.

Alongside the yield, the research looks at soil health. On areas managed differently — traditional vineyard and hedged vineyard with different species — Riccagioia compares regenerative practices such as weeding between rows and minimal tillage, measuring their real effects with advanced monitoring towers and sensors. The goal: greater water retention, recovery of soil biodiversity, and reduced environmental impact, all at the same time.

On the lands of Riccagioia, universities conduct experimental programs that make the compendium a living archive of the viticultural germplasm.

Among the collections: Lombard varieties and ancient varieties from Oltrepò Pavese, sparkling wine varieties, PIWI resistant varieties, additions of Vitis vinifera sylvestris, and trials on portinnets. A genetic heritage that combines the conservation of biodiversity, varietal improvement, and adaptation to climate change.

The vineyard is also a protagonist in research on carbon farming: permanent weeding, cover crops, and conservation tillage are measured for their effects on emissions, carbon stocks, and biodiversity, to build replicable models and certification schemes available to farmers.

Oltrepò Pavese BARBERA DOC
VarietyBarbera 85% Croatina 15%
Origin of the NameThe name "La Romera" pays homage to the ancient Roman road, now known as Via Emilia.
Characteristics in the glass: A wine of intense ruby red color with complex aromas of plum jam, hints of cherry and ripe berries alongside notes of dried floral notes. Its structure is complex and robust, with significant tannin presence and pronounced acidity, characteristics that make it suitable for aging.
CombinationsExtremely versatile, it is perfect for long-cooking dishes such as stuffed pasta, roasts, stews and game. It also pairs wonderfully with cured meats and aged cheeses.

BONARDA from the Oltrepò Pavese DOC
VarietyCroatina 85 % Barbera 15%
Origin of the NameIt takes its name from the hamlet “L’ Acadè" in the municipality of Torrazza Coste, a historical place already present in the cartographic maps of 1758.
Characteristics in the glass: An intense ruby red wine with pronounced aromas of marasca, red fruit jam and hints of purple. It is a "sprintoso" wine that Riccagioia vinifies in the fermo typology, making it suitable for aging over a period of time.
CombinationsClassic pairing with cured meats and cheeses, but it also pairs beautifully with traditional first courses.

PINOT NERO from Oltrepò Pavese DOC
Variety: Pinot noir 100%
Origin of the Name: The wine takes its name from a section of Rile mentioned in a 1758 map drawing, which indicated a small stream located on the borders of the municipalities of Torrazza Coste and Montebello della Battaglia.
Characteristics in the glassIntense ruby red with aromas of marasca, red fruits and ancient roses, enriched by notes of cinnamon, liquorice and vanilla tones. The long aging in wood (12 months in barrique) perfectly balances the acidity with a harmonious and captivating softness.
CombinationsIt pairs excellently with important and juicy dishes based on roasted red meats, stews, and game.

Oltrepò Pavese RED DOC
Variety: Barbera 45% Croatina 35% Rare variety 10% Vespolina 10%
Origin of the name: The name comes from the name of an ancient road in the municipality of Montebello della Battaglia (PV) dedicated to a local noble of the 1700s: Don Antonio Solineta.
Characteristics in the glass: The color is a deep ruby red. On the olfactory level, it denotes persistent aromas of ripe red fruit, marasca, floral notes of violet, hints of liquorice, chocolate and vegetal flavors. On the nose it invites you to discover the hidden notes in the glass as well. On the palate it shows acidity and a notable softness, also due to a well-developed tannin component.
CombinationsIdeal companion for convivial dinners and local cuisine dishes: cold cuts, aged cheeses, oven-baked pasta, roasts and stews.

Province of Pavia ROSSO IGT
VarietyBarbera 25 % Croatina 25 % Pinot nero 20% Cabernet sauvignon 10%, Vespolina 10%, Merlot 10%
Origin of the name: The wine was created in 2022, when a heavy downpour spared only the "collection" vineyards. From here came the idea of a unique blend of rare varieties, created to pay tribute to Carlo Gallini: an enlightened and eclectic man, who looked to the future of agriculture in Voghera.
Characteristics in the glass:
The color is intense ruby red. On the nose it highlights persistent aromas of plum jam, hints of violet, leather and cinnamon. It has good acidity and an evolving tannin component.
CombinationsIt pairs well with cured meats, traditional first courses, and stews.

D’Agrest

White Jewel

Gallini Bianco

Oltrepò Pavese RIESLING DOC
Variety: Riesling 60% Italian Riesling 40%
Origin of the name: The wine takes its name from a farmhouse that was once adjacent to the Riccagioia farm… the mystery remains whether it still exists, whether it has changed name or whether it has been lost over time.
Characteristics in the glass: With a pale yellow color, it is an extremely appealing wine, with an intense and varied olfactory spectrum of honeysuckle flowers, pleasant fruity notes of cedar, white peach and pineapple, but also notes of fresh vegetation, graphite and balsamic aromas harmonized by a delicate fragrance of honey. It is a firm wine with just the right body and good acidity, filling the palate with freshness.
CombinationsIt is excellent as an aperitif accompanied by snacks, savory pies made with vegetables, but it also pairs well with herb-based risottos, fish dishes, fresh or medium-aged cheeses.

Oltrepò Pavese CHARDONNAY DOC
Variety: Chardonnay 85% Riesling 15%
Origin of the nameThe name evokes the characteristics of this white wine: fresh and gentle, it manages to bring out all the potential of the grape variety that the territory enriches and shapes into a true gem.
Characteristics in the glassWith a strong yellow-ivory color, on the nose it reveals a real explosion of floral and fruity aromas of bergamot and exotic fruits that contrast with vegetal aromas and a delicate minerality. It is a firm wine with good structure and lively acidity, and it is very pleasant to drink.
Pairings at the tableIt is extremely versatile in terms of pairing. It goes well with vegetable dishes, white meat dishes, fish and shellfish dishes, but also with cured meats and cheeses served with fruit compotes.

Province of Pavia BIANCO IGT
Variety: Chardonnay 30% Riesling 25% Cortese 20% Italian Riesling 10 % Muscat 10% Malvasia 5%
Origin of the nameThe wine was created in 2022 when a heavy downpour compromised most of the vineyards in Riccagioia, sparing the “collection” vineyards. From this, the idea arose to create a unique blend, inspired by Carlo Gallini, a brilliant and eclectic man who looked to the future of agriculture in Voghera.
Characteristics in the glassWith a straw-yellow color, it is a full-bodied, well-structured wine with good acidity, with very persistent notes of tropical fruit in the aroma and characteristic flavors of the moscato and malvasia grapes.
CombinationsThe important structure and its freshness make it very pleasant and ideal to accompany fish dishes, goat cheeses and herbal preparations.

Doralia

Asburgic

Oltrepò Pavese CHARDONNAY SPUMANTE DOC
Variety: Chardonnay 85% Riesling 15%
Origin of the nameThe name has Latin roots meaning small gift and adorable, but also Greek, precious gift and gift from God. This wine is a gift from nature; it is a small but precious gift for anyone who has the opportunity to taste it.
Characteristics in the glass: With a bright straw yellow color, it highlights a fine and persistent foam in the glass with intoxicating aromas of orange blossoms, citrus notes, green apple and, in the background, nutmeg. It is a charmat sparkling wine that shows well-balanced acidity, extreme pleasantness and great freshness.
Pairings: Very suitable for aperitifs with finger food, first courses based on fish and fish cooked in the oven, creamy cheeses with a florid crust.

Oltrepò Pavese Classico Method PINOT NERO Bianco DOCG
Variety: Pinot noir 85% Chardonnay 15%
Origin of the nameThe name evokes the power and prestige of the Austro-Hungarian militias that occupied a building in Riccagioia during their rule in Lombardy; in a similar way, it recalls how the Pinot noir, a vine imported from the north of Italy, also conquered the hills of Oltrepò, imposing its strong and powerful warrior temperament; with integrity and pride, it managed to establish itself as the most important and prestigious vine in the territory.
Characteristics in the glass: A deep golden yellow color with a fine and persistent perlage. The aromatic profile is complex: acacia flowers, apple, orange and bergamot blend with notes of nutmeg, bread crust and hazelnut. A sparkling wine of remarkable structure, where elegance is balanced by a pleasant and persistent freshness.
CombinationsExtremely versatile, it can be used throughout the meal, from the appetizer to dessert. It pairs well with dishes based on fish, poultry, and roast veal.

Experimental viticulture

From the vineyard to the data: research at the service of the vine

Growing with data

Precision agriculture in the vineyard

Regenerating the soil between the rows

Regenerative viticulture

Preserving and studying the diversity of vines

Wine collections and the biodiversity of the vine

The screws in the carbon challenge

Vite and carbon farming

Our wines

Rossi

Our wines

White

Our wines

Spumanti

Let's build the next innovation together

Address

PEC

Email

Who we are

Areas of action