Charting a Path to Excellence: Tenuta Travaglino's Legacy from 1868

Posted by Rowena Dumlao - Giardina 4/16/2024

Charting a Path to Excellence: Tenuta Travaglino's Legacy from 1868

Cristina and Alessandro Cerri Comi, the dynamic siblings of the fifth generation from the esteemed Travaglino Estate in Oltrepo Pavese, steward a legacy that spans centuries. Their ancestral villa, steeped in 400 years of history, stands as a testament to their family's enduring commitment to winemaking. Amidst its ancient walls, over 30 fallow deer roam freely, embodying the harmony between nature and tradition. Armed with degrees in Economics, Specialization in International Business Management, Public Relations, and Masters in International Marketing, alongside invaluable international experience, Cristina and Alessandro embark on a mission to honor their heritage while propelling the estate into a new era of excellence.

Travaglino Estate, located in Calvignano, embodies a profound reverence for nature and the hands that nurture it. Spanning 400 hectares on a single tract of land, 200 of which are left untouched as woodlands while 120 are arable land and the remaining 80 dedicated to vineyards. The vineyards are cultivated on a hilly terrain boasting clayey-calcareous soil rich in microelements at an altitude between 220 to 350 meters above sea level on the slopes of Monte Cérésino, where they all receive southern exposure. Benefiting from a cool and well-ventilated microclimate, characterized by significant temperature variations between day and night, the vineyards foster the development of pristine grapes with superb acidity. These conditions are particularly conducive to accentuating the aromatic profiles of Pinot Noir and Riesling Renano, showcasing their unique expressions.

By prioritizing land stewardship and biodiversity, Travaglino ensures that each sip of its wines reflects the distinctiveness of the terroir. Embracing sustainable agriculture as a guiding principle, Travaglino meticulously tends to its vineyards, employing minimizing chemical treatments, a holistic approach that safeguards the environment. Hand-harvested and carefully selected, these grapes undergo a gentle pressing within hours of being plucked from the vines, resulting in wines of unparalleled elegance and character. With a minimal touch in the cellar, Travaglino crafts wines that echo the narrative of their origins. The job is entrusted to renowned consulting oenologist Donato Lanati, an authority on varietal winemaking with oenologist Achille Bergami who was once a student of Lanati who also believes that the quality of wine is the expression of the grape variety and the terroir in which it is cultivated. Each stage of vinification is executed with the aim of preserving the unique essence of the fruit from vineyard to bottle.

The History of Travaglino from 1111 to Present

Johannis de Travaglino's name first graced historical records in 1111 at the last will and testament of the priest Gisulfo from whom the place where the ancient monastery stood takes its name, marking the inception of what would later become the Travaglino Estate. Over the centuries, this land has witnessed transformations and innovations for winegrowing. In 1240, Friar Guidone di Sannazzaro oversaw the emergence of the "new" vineyards in Calvignano, including the hamlet of Travaglino. This period marked the burgeoning of winegrowing in the area, laying the foundation for its future as a renowned viticultural region. The evolution continued in the 17th and 18th centuries, culminating in the establishment of Villa Travaglino. This complex, with its expansive courtyard, oratory, and farm worker houses, became a symbol of prosperity and sophistication.

In 1868, under the ownership of Countess Sottocasa and Vincenzo Comi, Travaglino Estate witnessed significant expansion, encompassing over 189 hectares of land. The merging of families brought not only an increase in land but also the integration of noble lineage through the addition of the family coat of arms. The true transformation occurred in 1965 when Vincenzo Comi, the Cavaliere's grandson, revolutionized Travaglino, transitioning it into a modern winegrowing enterprise. This marked the beginning of meticulous zoning of the estate, optimizing vineyard selection and enhancing wine quality. La Locanda, the heart of Travaglino's hospitality, underwent renovations, welcoming visitors to experience the estate's charm firsthand.

The late 20th century witnessed further advancements with the modernization of the cellar, embracing cutting-edge technologies to elevate winemaking practices. This commitment to innovation continued into the 21st century, with a focus on sustainability and quality upheld by the fifth generation of the Comi family. Today, Travaglino stands as a testament to centuries of dedication, blending tradition with innovation to produce exceptional wines.

The Wines of Travaglino

At present, Travaglino has 15 labels in production which are produced prevalently with Pinot Noir and Riesling Renano under the denominations of Oltrepò Pavese Metodo Classico DOCG and Oltrepò Pavese DOC which are also their most notable and most awarded labels.

Cuvée 59 Oltrepò Pavese Metodo Classico Pinot Nero DOCG Brut
Obtained from a blend of 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay coming from the vineyard of Vigna del Portico with clayey-calcareous soil on sandy marl. Vinified in white with soft pressing with a maturation on the yeasts for at least 24 months. Straw yellow with fine and persistent perlage, a nose with floral and fruity notes recalling white stone fruits, pleasantly refreshing with good acidity.

Montecérésino Oltrepò Pavese Metodo Classico Pinot Nero Rosè DOCG Extra Brut
Obtained from Pinot Noir grapes cultivated from the terraced vineyard of Monte Cérésino with clayey-calcareous soil that enhances the aromas and scents of Pinot Noir. Rosè wine vinified with short cold maceration and soft pressing with 50% yield. Maturation in the bottle on the yeasts for at least 24 months. Cherry rose in color with fine and persistent perlage, aromas of wild strawberries and cherries, with refreshing fruity mouth, good structure and acidity.

Gran Cuvée Blanc de Noir Oltrepò Pavese Metodo Classico Pinot Nero DOCG Extra Brut
Obtained from Pinot Noir grapes cultivated at the Vigna del Portico vineyard with clayey-calcareous soil on sandy marl. Vinified in white with soft pressing with a maturation on the yeasts for at least 36 months. Straw yellow color, fine and persistent perlage, a nose with bread crust and dry fruit notes, balanced and good acidity.

Vincenzo Comi Riserva del Fondatore Oltrepò Pavese Metodo Classico Pinot Nero DOCG Brut
Also this one was obtained from Pinot Noir grapes cultivated at the Vigna del Portico vineyard with clayey-calcareous soil on sandy marl. Vinified in white with soft pressing with a maturation on the yeasts for at least 60 months. Deep straw-yellow in color with fine and persistent perlage, a nose with rich complex aromas of ripe fruit and bread crust, and has the ability to evolve over time.

Campo della Fojada Oltrepò Pavese DOC Riesling
Obtained from 100% Riesling Renano grapes cultivated at Campo della Fojada with clayey-calcareous soil with sandy marl, combined with a cool, well-ventilated microclimate. Fermentation at stainless steel tanks and maturation for 6 months on the lees in stainless steel tanks. The result is excellent with initial citrus and tropical fruit notes, rich in structure, evolves with mineral aromas as it ages. The best expression of Travaglino’s chalky limestone soil on which the grape is cultivated.

Campo della Fojada Riserva Oltrepò Pavese DOC Riesling
The same as the previous Riesling, from grapes to vinification with the addition of another year in the bottle before its release. In the best vintages, it is aged for 2 years in the bottle because time enhances its mineral notes and aromatic complexity. Straw yellow with intensity and complexity in the nose, providing aromas of mature yellow stone fruits, flowers, citrus and minerals, with a mouth that boasts of richness in flavors, freshness and persistence.

Pernero Pinot Nero dell'Oltrepò Pavese DOC
Obtained from 100% Pinot Noir grapes from vineyards with clayey-limestone with marl and pebbles with 6 months of maturation on the lees. A young Pinot Noir which gives easiness to drink with expression of varietal aromatic profile of ripe red berries and flowers.

Poggio della Buttinera Pinot Nero dell'Oltrepò Pavese Riserva DOC
Obtained from 100% Pinot Noir grapes cultivated in the vineyard of Poggio della Buttinera which has a characteristic clayey-calcareous soil with a high percentage of sand and iron. Ages for one year in tonneaux and French oak barrique, and a further year in the bottle. Pinot Noir 's characteristic varietal aromas of wild strawberries, dark berries, cherries and spices are quite enhanced in this wine with a good structure and extraordinary longevity.