Ballabio is one of the historic sparkling wine houses of Oltrepò Pavese: its tradition goes back to Angelo Ballabio, active in the early twentieth century, and today the Casteggio winery is run by the Nevelli family. Farfalla is the house's traditional-method line, named after the vineyard it comes from, which on the land-registry map has the shape of a butterfly's wings.
The vineyard lies on the San Biagio hill, on very calcareous soils rich in stones, tuff and sand: ideal ground for taut, savoury sparkling bases. The Noir Collection is the Pinot Nero-based version, aged at length on the lees and disgorged with no dosage at all.
Here in magnum, a format that allows slower, more harmonious development. In the glass: fine bubbles, red fruit, flowers, bread crust and a fine mineral streak; the palate is taut, dry and saline. Excellent as an aperitif and with raw seafood, oysters, fried fish and risotto.
At a glance: Pinot Nero 100% · 12.5% ABV · 1.5 l · Ballabio, Oltrepò Pavese