Torti

Lombardy is one of the most oenologically dynamic regions of northern Italy. Lombardy is the most well to do region of Italy. Its capital, Milan, is the center of the world fashion industry. Milan is also home to its renowned State University School of Agriculture, whose influence is felt in every aspect of Italian viticulture. The university being just around the corner has helped Lombardy be a leader in quality wine production. Lombardians make some excellent wines. Its Alpine climate is tempered by lakes Garda, Iseo, and lake Como. Major wine growing areas are Oltrepo Pavese and Valtellina. Grapes grown include Pinot Nero (Pinot Noir), Barbera, Bonarda, Nebbiolo and white varietals ; Riesling and Moscato. Its wineries are small like those of its neighbor, Piedmont. Southwest of Milan about seventy-five miles and bordering the region of Piedmont, the Dino Torti farm is located in the region of Lombardy, in an area called Oltrepo Pavese. Traveling from Milan the terrain is flat until you cross the Po River and pass the ancient town of Pavia where the ground rises up into hills. There you have reached "Oltrepo Pavese," a hilly terrain of limestone, loam, and clay, refreshed by maritime breezes from Liguria and caressed by fog from the Po Valley. The family-run Torti company is situated in the triangle formed by Santa Maria della Versa, Montecalvo Versiggia e Rocca dŽ Giorgi, and is in an ideal position for the cultivation of vineyards and especially the Pinot noir grape. A hilly terrain composed of limestone, loam, and clay, characterized by a salubrious climate, refreshed by ascensional maritime breezes from Liguria. Airy and cool during the summer, harsh and dry in winter, lightly caressed by fog from the Po valley. The Oltrepo Pavese (antique Piedmont), a sea of vineyards furrowed by waterways, by towns of ancient origins and steeples which emerge from the hills in a splendid repetition and succession of colors, is comparable for its geographic configuration only to Champagne and to Burgundy. "Halfway between the North Pole and the Equator" as the signs along the roads up through the hills say; it is in fact on the 45th parallel, and here is where the longest harvest in Italy takes place: first the Pinot noir for sparkling wine is gathered, then the white grapes such as Riesling Italico, and finally the reds like Barbera and Croatina (the variety of the greatly appreciated Bonarda). In particular, The Pinot Noir plays a prime role, used in sparkling wines and in the production of fine red wines for aging. The Torti vineyards were started in 1910 by Giovanni Torti. His son Enrico continued his work, and now his grandson Dino, the current owner, is working with his family to perfect it. The business is run by Dino Torti, his wife Giusy, and their daughters Patrizia and Laura. The winemaker is Roberto Gerbino.

Torti Wines from the hills of Oltrepo Pavese

Pinot Nero Bianco
Pinot Noir vinified in white The wine has its antique origins in Burgundy and Champagne. The name is derived from the pine-cone shape of the cluster. Present already in the Po Valley in the 1600's. Light golden yellow color; harmonic perfume, elegant with delicate toasted shades; dry, full, sapid taste. Natural fermentation, an unusual rendering of the grape. Interesting!


Pinot Nero
Selected Pinot Noir grapes make this wine of incredible color, great nose, complex taste of ripe cherry and earthy tea. Wine is cardinal red with orange reflections; nose is silky, deep, ethereal; rich taste with noble recollections of wood. The body is brought out pleasantly by a brief passage in oak. A perfectly balanced wine with a finish of hazelnuts.


Pinot Nero barrique
Selected Pinot Noir grapes make this wine of incredible color, great nose, complex taste of ripe cherry and earthy tea. Wine is cardinal red with orange reflections; nose is silky, deep, ethereal; rich taste with noble recollections of wood. The body is brought out pleasantly by a brief passage in oak. A perfectly balanced wine with a finish of hazelnuts.


Bonarda DOC
Indigenous grape of Lombardy also known as Croatina, showcases the fruit full body, smooth, intense perfume. "This is what the Lombardians drink" , mentioned as early as 1200 in the zone, renowned for its natural sparkle. Full ruby color; intense and pleasant perfume; wonderful dry taste, harmonious.


Barbera DOC
Barbera aged in Barrique
Wine of a brilliant ruby color; vinous perfume, dry, flavorful, full-bodied taste. More deeply evolved wine. Full aromas, with recollections of wood. Rich body, powerful structure, evolved taste.