Montescano, a small town in the Versa Valley in the province of Pavia, situated in a fertile territory o thef Oltrepò Pavese crossed by a stream of the same name and a tributary of the Po river, a stone's throw from the picturesque valley of Scuropasso and the well-known centers of Broni and Stradella, a place that has a historical heritage of importance as well as being known for the production of superb DOC wines.
This centre was historically populated in ancient times by Ligurians, Etruscans, Celts and Romans, for a long time linked to Pavia in the Middle Ages, then becoming a Visconti fief and subsequently being subject to the influences of noble dynasties such as Borromeo in the tenth and sixth centuries and Pallavicino Trivulzio two centuries later.
Walking through Montescano you will admire the local, scenic hills totally covered by vineyards that produce in this area of the Oltrepò Pavese prestigious wines such as Bonarda, Barbera, Riesling, Pinot, Freisa, Rosso Oltrepòò , Sangue di Giuda, Spumanti of excellence and above all a superb Buttafuoco DOC.
In a pleasant walk in the pleasant village of Montescano, which developed as a village on the top of a low hill that was called in ancient times Monte Scanus , from which the name of the place derives.
I recommend starting the visit from Palazzo Olevano, the well-known headquarters of the Maugeri Foundation Medical Center established in 1974 and equipped with 250 beds, dedicated to pulmonary, functional and cardiological rehabilitation.
Continuation with the Missaga Fountain also called "Missaglia" honoring the first Mayor of Montescano after the reunification and consequent proclamation of the Kingdom of Italy in 1860, known for its healing waters.
Afterwards you can reach the contemporary Sanctuary of the Madonna di Caravaggio erected in 1941 and becoming a Parish Church three years later.
You can visit a wine estate that creates the famous Buttafuoco DOC, a wine of great prestige, highly appreciated in Italy and around the world.
Very interesting to know how is produced this excellent wine starting from composition of the soil where the vines are cultivated on a clayey-calcareous surface with brown tones with outcrops of mother rock and in its perfect consistency is neither too arid nor very humid, ideal geophysical conditions for winemaking activities.
The plantation takes place at 210.0 meters above sea level and south-east exposure on short Guyot with a density of 6000 vines and a maximum yield of 7000 liters per hectare.
The name Buttafuoco derives from the Pavese dialect "Al buta me al fogh" which translated means heats like fire.
The composition of Buttafuoco DOC. is created from 60% Croatina grapes, 25% Barbera and 15% Nebbiolo, Pinot Noir and Vespolina grapes.
The harvest during the harvest period is exclusively manual as per tradition, with a meticulous selection of the grapes, even in over-ripeness by the end of October.
During the vinification process, the product is crushed in disparate ways, where the liquid is fermented in large cement tanks with long maceration at carefully controlled temperatures, and then moves on to the Malolactic Fermentation phase, while the wines generated in previous vintages are aged in second-passage barriques.
The aging in the bottle lasts 12 months and the annual production of the estate is around 10,000 bottles.
The organoleptic characteristics of Buttafuoco DOC can be seen almost at first glance: its very intense ruby red color with soft violet reflections.
The fluidity is very consistent, the flavor partially dry, full-bodied, robust, clear but at the same time soft.
The aroma gives off an intense, penetrating, round, vibrant, tannic smell, warm alcohol and a rather long final persistence on the palate.
The bouquet of aromas of ripe fruit, plums, cherries, blackberries, almonds and figs give this wine remarkable returns of spiciness and versatility.
In the culinary field, it is excellent for the preparation of risottos, stews, magnificent if sprinkled on grilled meats, superb accompanying braised meats, stews, game meats, perfect if served at a serving temperature between 16.0 and 18.0 degrees.
Afterwards time for your lunch, to stay in the traditional I recommend a mixed appetizer of Pavese Cold Cuts, first courses of your choice between Risotto with Pumpkin and Porcini Mushrooms or Chickpea and Chanterelle Soup, second courses of your choice between Grilled Pork Chop with Mixed Salad or Cotechino with Stewed Beans, of course you will have the great opportunity to taste the various wines of the Oltrepò as an accompaniment.
Visiting Montescano is a splendid experience, a very suggestive place with the chance to discover products of notable importance as these sublime DOC wines from Oltrepo' Pavese.
Links : https://www.comune.montescano.pv.it/it-it/home
https://www.vivino.com/MC/en/riccardi-di-montescano-vigne-canne-riccardi-oltrepo-pavese/w/2340581
Where to Stay | Recommended Accomodation in the area
La Terrazza sui Vigneti -Rovescala
La Vecchia Cantina
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