Posted on April 2, 2009 - by Zio

Featured Winemaker: Mazzolino

Situated in Oltrepo Pavese, Lombardy, close to the 45th parallel, the Mazzolino Winery’s 20 hectares produce Chardonnay, Bonarda, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot Nero. The winery is owned by the Braggiotti Family. Oltrepo Pavese, which was once a part of the old Piedmont, had ancient ties with France, where the Braggiotti family has strong roots. In fact, they still speak French in the family and have brought Jean Francois Cocquard from the University of Burgundy to bring a French touch to Italy.

During a recent visit to Pavia, Joe had the good fortune of meeting the renowned wine maker Jean Francois. Of his Bonardo, Joe says, “Bonarda is a grape varietal that has been grown in Oltrepo Pavese for ages. It’s smooth and luscious with notes of blackberries, cinnamon and almond.“

The winemaker is Jean Francois Cocqard, who brings his experience from Burgundy to Italy, to produce a wine with soft fruit and earth. It is a perfect match for meat filled ravioli and hot antipasti.

Joe adds, “This grape is traditionally used to make Lambrusco style wines. The winemaker breaks with tradition to create an incredible still wine at an incredible value.”

At his Enoteca, Joe also serves the Mazzolino’s Blanc, cultivated from a a tiny producer in Oltrepo Pavese in Lombardia. Joe explains: “This Chardonnay is rich and complex with notes of hazelnuts, vanilla and citrus. A French winemaker combined French technique with Italian soil to produce an exquisite wine that is delicious when served with risotto, lobster, and creamy pasta dishes.”

When Joe visited the winery’s cantina, Jean Francois, the winemaker, swore he could see France from the hills of Pavia!

Read about Tenuta Mazzolino receiving the high honor of the Tre Bicchiere Award for their Pinot Noir!

Mazzolino BONARDA (Lombardia) 2007 $11/33
Mazzolino PINOT “NOIR” (Lombardia) 2003 $30/90
Mazzolino Chardonnay “BLANC” (Lombardia) 2005 $18/54

Visit the Tenuta Mazzolino website.

Photos by Glen DiCrocco