Oltrepò Pavese regains compactness and looks to the future with Classese . The historic name of its classic method is back on the label thanks to the approval of new regulations. A key step in a path of renewal involving specifications, quality strategies and territorial identity, with the aim of restoring strength and coherence to the area’s sparkling wine vocation.
A historic vote: the new Classese brand debuts on the label
The Assembly of the Classese Oltrepò Pavese Consortium has approved, with more than 99 percent of votes in favor, the Regulations for Use of the Classese brand, a decisive step that allows producers to use the new name of the Oltrepò Pavese classic method on their labels.
The official presentation is expected at Vinitaly 2026 and marks a turning point in the path to relaunching the territory and its sparkling wine identity.
“We are proud of the unity the area has been able to regain ,” says President Francesca Seralvo. This regulation is the tool that will allow us to best tell the story and quality of our classic method. From today we can start writing Classese on the label.”
A project that combines: quality, identity and promotion
The new regulations represent the continuity of a journey that began in March 2024 with the renewal of the Board of Directors and continued with the almost unanimous vote in February 2025 that approved the new specifications for the metodo classico DOCG.
stricter quality standards and recovered the historic name Classese – a union of Classico and Pavese – already used in the 1980s.
Classese: a name that goes back to its roots
The history of the classic method in Oltrepò is ancient and prestigious.
160 years ago, in Rocca de’ Giorgi, Count Vistarino and Carlo Gancia sparkled the first blanc de noirs oltrepadano, a milestone in the vocation of the territory.
In 1984, twelve producers decided to enhance the classic method from Pinot Noir by creating an association and a specific mention: Classese.
Today, after decades, that name is finally back on the bottles, ready to become the flag of the only major international territory devoted to blanc de noirs and rosé de noirs.
Changes to specifications: a step forward for the whole territory
The Assembly also unanimously approved some changes to the specifications of the main DOCs. The goal is to accompany the revitalization of Classese with an overall growth of the territorial offer.
The main changes are in the reduction of yields:
- Pinot Grigio Oltrepò Pavese DOC: 150 to 125 q/ha (90% favorable)
- Pinot Nero Oltrepò Pavese DOC: 120 to 100 q/ha (unanimity)
“The focus on Classese must drag the whole territory along,” Seralvo stresses. That is why we are also working on the other DOCs, with the aim of building a clear and shared quality pyramid.”
Toward final approval: expected in 2026
Changes to the DOCG regulations have already been published in the Official Bulletin of the Lombardy Region and are now being examined by the Ministry. The Consortium hopes for a positive outcome by the end of 2026, so as to complete the regulatory framework of the new Classese project.
A changing territory: the new charter of 2025
The revival of Oltrepò Pavese also passes through an important internal reform: the new 2025 Statute, welcomed by institutions and trade associations.
>The document introduced a more balanced system, ensuring greater representation for small producers and rewarding companies that follow the entire supply chain, from vineyard to bottle.
Conclusion: Oltrepò rediscovers a common voice
With the approval of the regulations for the use of the Classese brand and the changes to the specifications, Oltrepò Pavese takes a decisive step toward a new phase of recognition, quality and cohesion.
The Classese name-historical, identity-driven and deeply linked to Pinot Noir-is back in the spotlight and is preparing to represent the essence of the Oltrepò Pavese classic method on national and international markets.
