Tenuta Mazzolino Oltrepo Bonarda 2022

Nestled in the hills of the Oltrepò Pavese in Lombardy, Azienda Agricola Mazzolino has become one of Italy’s leading lights for both traditional varieties and international grapes. The estate was established in the early 1980s when the Braggiotti family set out to unlock the potential of this underappreciated region. With guidance from Bordeaux consultant Émile Peynaud, the domaine quickly developed a reputation for producing wines of polish and finesse that remain rooted in the character of their terroir.

The vineyards cover around 20 hectares on south-facing slopes, where calcareous-clay soils and cool nights encourage balance, freshness and aromatic complexity. While Oltrepò Pavese is best known for sparkling wines, Mazzolino has carved a distinct path: their Pinot Nero (Pinot Noir) is the flagship, made in several cuvées that capture everything from bright, perfumed fruit to structured, age-worthy depth. Alongside these reds, the domaine produces fine Chardonnays, from vibrant, mineral-driven styles to richer, barrel-aged bottlings, as well as elegant Bordeaux-inspired blends based on Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Farming is sustainable and attentive, with yields kept low to ensure concentration and purity. In the cellar, a mix of stainless steel and carefully selected oak brings texture and refinement without masking the wines’ freshness. The result is a range of wines that combine Italian vibrancy with French precision – complex, elegant and perfectly suited to both early enjoyment and long-term cellaring.