our roots
Our History
La Piotta was founded in 1985 by grandfather Luigi, following in the footsteps of the Padroggi family dedicated to the wine world for generations. The average age of our vineyards currently present is around 30 years and this allows the production of white wines with intense and persistent aromas and full-bodied and well-structured red wines. As evidence of the love for traditions and for our territory, nine rows of Pinot Grigio planted in 1930 are still existing and productive. Over the years we have come to have a company area of 15 hectares entirely under vineyards, the annual production is around 70,000 bottles and the entire production cycle, from the vine to the bottle, takes place in the company and is personally looked after by the family, who have been dedicated to the cultivation of vines and the production of wine for generations.
The founder of the company, grandfather Luigi, and subsequently his sons Gabriele and Mario dedicated their lives to starting and growing the company and recently the third generation of winemakers also joined the management of “La Piotta”: the young Enrico and Luca work alongside their fathers in the technical, production and commercial part, always under the careful supervision of Luigi. Their will is to continue the path started by their grandfather, bringing new ideas to the winery both in terms of image and production.
Our family awaits you every day, including Sundays, for wine tasting and, upon reservation, you can also taste carefully selected local cured meats and typical products.
Terroir
Oltrepò Pavese
Our farm “La Piotta” is located in the heart of Oltrepò, in Montalto Pavese, in an area particularly suited to the production of fine wines and sparkling wines. The name “Piotta” most likely derives from the Piedmontese settlements of the place (the area was a province of Piedmont) that began as early as the second half of the nineteenth century, and means “stone”, which the soil is rich in. On old papers the original name “Piota” is reported, to which we have dedicated our most prestigious line and whose production is limited to the best years.
The Soil
The types of rocks present are different and very varied from a mineralogical and structural point of view: limestones, marl, clays, sandstones (with a sandy matrix), conglomerates, breccias.
The climate
The Oltrepò has a continental climate that is little affected by sea breezes, blocked by the Apennines; we have cold winters, early springs and moderately warm summers.
The vineyards
Most of the vineyards are between 30 and 40 years old, therefore they best express their production characteristics, as well as a historic Pinot Grigio.
The Exposure
The exposure of the land to North-North/East allows the vines to receive sunlight in the morning, avoiding the intense heat of midday and afternoon.
The Vines
The main vines grown on the company are Pinot Noir and Riesling, both Italico and Renano. Pinot Noir has established itself as the main grape variety in Oltrepò Pavese since 1865.
The Cellar
We are located in the municipality of Montalto Pavese at approximately 380 mls. The farmhouse dates back to the 1900s, the remaining construction was carried out in 1985.
Oltrepò Pavese
Where we are
The Oltrepò Pavese territory has an area of approximately 12,000 hectares of vineyards and administratively belongs to the province of Pavia, located exactly on the southern border of the Lombardy region.
Its shape resembles a triangle, wedged between Piedmont, Liguria and Emilia. The Oltrepò hills offer a highly attractive landscape continuum and represent the third largest Italian area in terms of surface area almost entirely covered in vines and with mainly denomination production. The variety of the territory, the proximity of the sea and the presence of rivers and streams influence the climate, which is mild and temperate, with excellent excursions between night and day, especially in the summer period. The very varied soils are composed of: marl, arenaceous limestone and chalk, as well as sand and clay.
All these characteristics make the Oltrepò Pavese an area suited to the production of Pinot Noir (almost 3,000 hectares of vineyards) and sparkling wines obtained from this noble grape. Other key varieties in the history of this territory are Riesling and Bonarda, two grapes that in this region produce wines with a clear identity and character. The Oltrepò territory is crossed by the 45th parallel North, the famous “wine parallel” that runs through the areas most suited to viticulture, such as Piedmont, the Bordeaux area and Oregon.
Oltrepò Pavese
A unique territory
The estate
Tastings and experiences
in azienda ci occupiamo di wine tasting. You are welcome to try our products. Write to us to book a tasting.
The estate
Buy our products
You can buy our products via our website, or directly in the cellar. For different orders or special requests for important supplies, write to us.