Che l’ Oltrepò Pavese abbia il suo fascino, quasi nessuno lo dubita, ma che a definirla una località italiana da visitare fosse The Guardian, uno dei principali quotidiani britannici, stampato dal 1821, può renderci orgogliosi delle risorse naturali e artificiali, che produciamo ed abbiamo prodotto, con un’ innovazione ed evoluzione molto rapide ed efficienti.
“…majestic castles … it’s easy to see why this triangular area of southern Lombardy is often called the Tuscany of the north. Oltre means beyond, and this is the part of Pavia province that lies south of the wide Po River, climbing towards the Ligurian Appenines. It differs from Tuscany, though, in seeing barely any foreign tourists. But they’re missing out on a mostly rural region of panoramic views over endless vineyards, cute stone villages and delectable food.
The main town is Voghera, 40 minutes by train from Milan but a world away in style and attitude. (The “Voghera housewife” is politicians’ shorthand for unpretentious and hard-working.) It has a cobbled, arcaded cathedral square, and pedestrianised streets leading to the Visconti castle, built in 1367. But the real joy of the region is its rolling hills dotted with villages such as Fortunago and Costa Cavalieri. The latter is home to just over 100 people, but has live bands and dancing in the square most summer weekends.
From Zavattarello, a few miles south, there is a winding walk up a wooded hill to medieval Castello Dal Verme, with at least four other fortresses visible from the top.
The Oltrepò is Lombardy’s biggest wine region, known for its pinot noir grapes, which, as well as fragrant reds, go into a delicious pale sparkling wine made to the traditional méthode champenoise. Conte Vistarino was the first pinot noir exponent in the area, and does tours from €20. All-female winery Le Fiole in Montalto Pavese, run by sisters Elisa and Silvia Piaggi, offers an afternoon of walks, nibbles and tasting for €20 a head.
Sitting 700 metres up in the Oltrepò hills, Ca’ del Monte (doubles from €84 B&B) has 12 guest rooms in restored farm buildings and also offers paragliding, bike rental and use of two telescopes.”
Sapete tradurre? Ogni parola, aggettivo e concetto sprigiona energia positiva.
