Classese: Oltrepò Pavese united on the new name for Metodo Classico

The Assembly of the Classese Oltrepò Pavese Consortium approved the Usage Regulations for the Classese brand during an ordinary meeting on November 28. The vote will allow the use of the new name for Metodo Classico from Oltrepò Pavese Pinot Noir on labels. The official presentation is scheduled for Vinitaly 2026. The vote, with over 99% in favor, marks a pivotal moment for the promotion of the region.

“Today we voted unanimously to approve the usage regulations for the Classese brand, and I cannot hide my satisfaction with the unity of purpose the region has rediscovered,” stated President Francesca Seralvo. “The regulations are a fundamental tool for telling the story and quality of our Metodo Classico, allowing us to quickly begin the promotional journey that must immediately support the commitment to quality that all we producers put into the vineyard and cellar every day. With the brand’s usage regulations, we can start writing Classese on labels right away.”

The vote follows the revision of the Metodo Classico DOCG production regulations approved by the Assembly in February, also with near-unanimous consent. The new text introduces quality standards developed over years of regional technical meetings and revives the original name of Oltrepò sparkling wines: Classese, a synthesis of “Classico” and “Pavese”.

The choice is rooted in the history of the region. In Rocca de’ Giorgi, 160 years ago, Count Vistarino produced the first Oltrepò blanc de noirs sparkling wine with Carlo Gancia. In 1984, twelve producers promoting Metodo Classico from Pinot Noir established the “Classese” mention to distinguish it from other denominations.

With the introduction of the Usage Regulations, Classese now returns to identifying the only international sparkling wine region entirely dedicated to blanc de noirs and rosé de noirs. At the same time, the Assembly unanimously approved changes to the production regulations of other denominations with the goal, as the President states, that “the focus on Classese is intended to pull along the entire region and its wines, which is why we are also working on the DOCs.” The measures concern the reduction of yields per hectare: Oltrepò Pavese Pinot Grigio DOC goes from 150 to 125 q/ha (90% vote) and Oltrepò Pavese Pinot Noir DOC from 120 to 100 q/ha (unanimous vote).

“Today we have taken an important step forward because, following the vote of the last Assembly in February, we are developing the ‘Classese project’,” says Seralvo. “The changes to the DOCG production regulations have been published in the Official Bulletin of the Lombardy Region and are now being examined by the Ministry. The hope is to conclude the process by the end of 2026.”

The Consortium is now focusing its work on other denominations to define a quality pyramid capable of organizing the many types produced and fostering a more targeted protection system. This process was also made possible by the statutory reform adopted in 2025, which rebalanced the weight of smaller producers and introduced a supply chain incentive for those who follow the entire process, from vineyard to bottle.

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