# Oltrepò Pavese Barbera (2025)

- **Producer:** Tenuta San Zeno
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** sparkling
- **Grapes:** Barbera
- **Region:** Lombardia, Italy
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 12.0%
- **Average price:** €5
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now
- **Serving temperature:** 14–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** raspberry, red cherry, red plum

## About this wine

Tenuta San Zeno Oltrepò Pavese Barbera is a red wine from the Lombardy region of Italy, specifically from the Oltrepò Pavese Barbera DOC appellation. This appellation mandates a minimum of 85% Barbera grapes. The wine is produced by Tenuta San Zeno, a winery that contributes to the wine culture of the Oltrepò Pavese. It is characterized as a 'frizzante' (sparkling) red wine, embodying the 'lively and decisive' spirit of its origin.

## Interesting facts

- Oltrepò Pavese Barbera DOC requires at least 85% Barbera grapes.
- The wine is described as 'briosa e decisa' (lively and decisive).
- This region is known for its diverse Italian wine production.
- Barbera is one of Italy's most planted red grape varieties.

## Food pairing

The wine's inherent acidity helps to cut through the richness of fatty meats and creamy sauces, cleansing the palate. Its medium to high tannins complement the proteins in red meats, softening the wine and enhancing the savory flavors of the food. The wine's fruit-forward character can also echo or contrast with ingredients like tomatoes or herbs.

## Wine making process

The production of Tenuta San Zeno Oltrepò Pavese Barbera involves maceration of the Barbera grapes for five to six days at controlled temperatures. The subsequent alcoholic fermentation is carried out in steel tanks. Some higher-tier Barbera wines from Tenuta San Zeno may undergo aging in French oak barriques, with a proportion of new barrels used. The Oltrepò Pavese Barbera DOC appellation requires a minimum of 85% Barbera grapes.